Cannabis and Hop Latent Viroid: An overview
In the world of plant pathogens, viroids represent a unique group of small, single-stranded RNA molecules. Commonly known as "dudding disease," these infections have caused illness among profitable crops for years, such as hops and, more recently, cannabis. They attack the plant and rely on it's metabolism for replication. In this educational write-up, we will explore the intriguing relationship between viroids and cannabis, shedding light on the epidemic and its impact.
Viroids are small, circular RNA molecules that are approximately 246 to 401 nucleotides long. Unlike viruses, they lack a protective protein coat, making them highly resistant to environmental factors and chemical agents. Viroids spread through contact with infected plants or through tools such as shears. According to scientists like Dr. Peter Grinspoon and others, they only pose a threat to plants and no potential risk or harm to humans.
Found in hops (Humulus lupulus), which are used in the brewing industry, the first recorded discovery was in Spain in 1987, then in Germany the next year. Infected hop plants may display symptoms such as reduced yield, stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and a decline in cone quality. All infected plants should be kept separate or destroyed, and all tools and clothing should be sterilized before entering the plant area.
In cannabis, the viroid specifically infects the plants growth and is difficult to find until flowering unless testing is used. First discovered in these crops in 1997, this viroid is responsible for causing a debilitating disease known as "dudding," characterized by stunted growth, leaf curling, and outward branching. Infected plants may exhibit yellowing, distorted leaves, and reduced flower production and quality. HLV spreads through vegetative propagation, contaminated tools, other infected plants, water, soil, human touch, and seeds. The biggest threat to the plant is a loss of cannabinoids and as Dr. Punja proves underdeveloped trichomes.
Both the cannabis and hop industries rely heavily on the economic viability of these crops. Viroid-induced diseases have shown significant economic consequences for growers and producers. Infected plants often result in reduced yields, poor quality, and, in severe cases, complete crop failure. The presence of these viroids can lead to restrictions in international trade and movement of plant material, causing disruptions in the industry. HLVD has spread through Canada's cannabis industry and expanded to at least 90 percent of California's legal crops, an estimated $4 billion in lost product. Should the contamination expand at this rate, the East Coast, and certainly other countries will experience the same hardships.
Detection of viroids in cannabis and hop plants can be challenging due to their small size and the absence of visible symptoms during early stages of infection. However, molecular testing such as qunatative polymerase chainreaction(qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have proven effective in identifying and characterizing viroids. Implementing strict sanitation practices, using disease-free plants and material, can help reduce viroid transmission and minimize their impact on crops.
Ongoing research efforts are focused on understanding the biology of viroids through developing rapid detection methods, and exploring strategies to diminish infections. Advances in genetic engineering and breeding techniques may also offer potential solutions in the future. Collaboration between growers and researchers is crucial, particularly with the lack of funding for research. It's also best to avoid shipping across state lines unless testing is involved.
Viroids, such as the Hop Latent Viroid (HLV), pose a significant threat to cannabis and hop plants. These infectious agents can cause severe diseases, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. Efforts to detect, manage, and prevent viroid infections are very difficult but essential to understand for maintaining healthy yields and sustaining the cannabis industries. Continued research is vital in developing effective strategies to combat these plant pathogens and ensure the safety of these crops. Though not harmful to humans, these viroids can extinguish all efforts of the grower and they place a threat on horticulture as we know it. With more education and understanding, we can gather more answers and solutions.
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