Page 12 - CSHS 2022 Book of Abstracts - 2022-08-22 web version

CSHS 2022 Conference

Cannabis & High Value Plants Symposium

Symposium Chair: Dr. Youbin Zheng

Abstracts – Invited Speakers

(CI.1) The Canadian cannabis industry: trends, challenges and the need for innovation
Dr. Lasse Schulze
The Chronos Group
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Licensed cannabis producers are facing diverse growing conditions in Canada, a complex regulatory framework, and
with an ever-increasing number of medical and recreational cannabis consumers, the cannabis industry needs to
adapt to satisfy the demand. Growing the industry at this scale is a formidable challenge and inherently comes with
scientific, technical and operational obstacles. Here we present industry trends, and discuss how best-practices from
related industries and innovations from the cannabis space are driving the industry forward, to ensure a consistent
supply of high quality cannabis for patients and recreational users alike.

(CI.2) Understanding and managing the important diseases of cannabis
Dr. Zamir Punja
Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
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Commercial production of drug-type Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana, cannabis) containing the psychoactive
compound Δ 9- tetrahydrocannabinol occurs in controlled environment growing spaces indoors, in greenhouses,
and under field conditions in Canada. Since legalization in 2018, the production of cannabis has increased steadily,
with a majority under greenhouse cultivation. This has been accompanied by an associated increase in the number
of pathogens causing losses in plant growth, quality and yield. At present, more than 40 fungal, oomycete, bacterial,
viral and viroid pathogens have been identified that pose challenges for cannabis growers. In addition, post-harvest
microbial contamination of cannabis products is an on-going challenge. Producers have adopted creative
approaches to reduce the impact of plant pathogens and produce a high quality product that meets Health Canada
standards. Management approaches include the implementation of sanitary practices, quarantines, application of
disinfectants, and biological and cultural approaches. In this presentation, the important pathogens that pose the
most threat to cannabis production will be discussed. These include Fusarium and Pythium root rots, powdery
mildew, Botrytis bud rot, Hop Latent Viroid, and yeast and mold contamination. Spread of these microbes occurs
rapidly within a growing facility and the unrestricted movement of plant materials from one licensed producer to
another has been a major means of spread. Routine testing for the presence of plant pathogens using molecular
diagnostic methods that have been recently developed is an important component of a disease management
strategy.

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