Cameron Scott

Bio: Cameron Scott is an academic researcher from Simon Fraser University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Pith & Powdery mildew. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 4 publications receiving 69 citations.

Pathogens and Molds Affecting Production and Quality of Cannabis sativa L.

Abstract: Plant pathogens infecting marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants reduce growth of the crop by affecting the roots, crown and foliage. In addition, fungi (molds) that colonize the inflorescences (buds) during development or after harvest, and which colonize internal tissues as endophytes, can reduce product quality. The pathogens and molds that affect C. sativa grown hydroponically indoors (in environmentally controlled growth rooms and greenhouses) and field-grown plants were studied over multiple years of sampling. A PCR-based assay using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA confirmed identity of the cultures. Root-infecting pathogens included Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. brachygibbosum, Pythium dissotocum, P. myriotylum and P. aphanidermatum, which caused root browning, discoloration of the crown and pith tissues, stunting and yellowing of plants, and in some instances, plant death. On the foliage, powdery mildew, caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, was the major pathogen observed. On inflorescences, penicillium bud rot (caused by P. olsonii and P. copticola), botrytis bud rot (B. cinerea) and fusarium bud rot (F. solani, F. oxysporum) were present to varying extents. Endophytic fungi present in crown, stem and petiole tissues included soil-colonizing and cellulolytic fungi, such as species of Chaetomium, Trametes, Trichoderma, Penicillium and Fusarium. Analysis of air samples in indoor growing environments revealed that species of Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Beauvaria, and Trichoderma were present. The latter two species were the result of the application of biocontrol products for control of insects and diseases, respectively. Fungal communities present in unpasteurized coconut fibre (coco) growing medium are potential sources of mold contamination on cannabis plants. Swabs taken from greenhouse-grown and indoor buds pre- and post-harvest revealed the presence of Cladosporium and up to five species of Penicillium, as well as low levels of Alternaria species. Mechanical trimming of buds caused an increase in the frequency of Penicilllium species, presumably by providing entry points through wounds or spreading endophytes from pith tissues. Aerial distribution of pathogen inoculum and mold spores and dissemination through vegetative propagation, are important methods of spread, and entry through wound sites on roots, stems and bud tissues facilitates pathogen establishment on cannabis plants.

Root and crown rot pathogens causing wilt symptoms on field-grown marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants

Abstract: Yellowing and wilting symptoms on field-grown Cannabis sativa (cannabis) plants followed by total plant collapse under conditions of extreme hot weather were observed in northern California in 2017. The crown regions of affected plants were dark and sunken and internal tissue discolouration extended 10–15 cm above the soil surface. Isolations made from the pith, vascular and cortical tissues in the crown region yielded Fusarium oxysporum (40% frequency), F. brachygibbosum (28% frequency), Pythium aphanidermatum (22% frequency), Fusarium solani and F. equiseti (5% frequency each). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on rooted plantlets to establish the extent of root and crown decay, as well as on mature stems to determine the extent of stem tissue colonization caused by these species. Extensive reduction in root length was caused by F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. brachygibbosum and P. aphanidermatum and wounding significantly enhanced disease development. Stem tissue colonization by these pathogens at...

Evaluation of disease management approaches for powdery mildew on Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana) plants

Abstract: Powdery mildew on cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana), caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, reduces plant growth and overall quality. To investigate disease management options, biological, c...

Several Pythium species cause crown and root rot on cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) plants grown under commercial greenhouse conditions

Abstract: Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) plants with symptoms of crown rot, root decay, wilting and plant death were sampled during 2018 and 2019 from seven production greenhouses. Affected tissues...

Pathogens and Molds Affecting Production and Quality of Cannabis sativa L.

Abstract: Plant pathogens infecting marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants reduce growth of the crop by affecting the roots, crown and foliage. In addition, fungi (molds) that colonize the inflorescences (buds) during development or after harvest, and which colonize internal tissues as endophytes, can reduce product quality. The pathogens and molds that affect C. sativa grown hydroponically indoors (in environmentally controlled growth rooms and greenhouses) and field-grown plants were studied over multiple years of sampling. A PCR-based assay using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA confirmed identity of the cultures. Root-infecting pathogens included Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. brachygibbosum, Pythium dissotocum, P. myriotylum and P. aphanidermatum, which caused root browning, discoloration of the crown and pith tissues, stunting and yellowing of plants, and in some instances, plant death. On the foliage, powdery mildew, caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, was the major pathogen observed. On inflorescences, penicillium bud rot (caused by P. olsonii and P. copticola), botrytis bud rot (B. cinerea) and fusarium bud rot (F. solani, F. oxysporum) were present to varying extents. Endophytic fungi present in crown, stem and petiole tissues included soil-colonizing and cellulolytic fungi, such as species of Chaetomium, Trametes, Trichoderma, Penicillium and Fusarium. Analysis of air samples in indoor growing environments revealed that species of Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Beauvaria, and Trichoderma were present. The latter two species were the result of the application of biocontrol products for control of insects and diseases, respectively. Fungal communities present in unpasteurized coconut fibre (coco) growing medium are potential sources of mold contamination on cannabis plants. Swabs taken from greenhouse-grown and indoor buds pre- and post-harvest revealed the presence of Cladosporium and up to five species of Penicillium, as well as low levels of Alternaria species. Mechanical trimming of buds caused an increase in the frequency of Penicilllium species, presumably by providing entry points through wounds or spreading endophytes from pith tissues. Aerial distribution of pathogen inoculum and mold spores and dissemination through vegetative propagation, are important methods of spread, and entry through wound sites on roots, stems and bud tissues facilitates pathogen establishment on cannabis plants.

Flower and foliage-infecting pathogens of marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants

Abstract: Flower buds of Cannabis sativa develop as inflorescences (buds) which are harvested and dried prior to sale. The extent to which fungal plant pathogens can colonize the buds prior to harvest has no...

Emerging Diseases of Cannabis sativa and Sustainable Management.

Abstract: Cultivation of cannabis plants (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) has taken place worldwide for centuries. In Canada, legalization of cannabis in October 2018 for the medicinal and recreational markets has spurned interest in large-scale growing. This increased production has seen a rise in the incidence and severity of plant pathogens, causing a range of previously unreported diseases. The objective of this review is to highlight the important diseases currently affecting the cannabis and hemp industries in North America and to discuss various mitigation strategies. Progress in molecular diagnostics for pathogen identification and determining inoculum sources and methods of pathogen spread have provided useful insights. Sustainable disease management approaches include establishing clean planting stock, modifying environmental conditions to reduce pathogen development, implementing sanitation measures, and applying fungal and bacterial biological control agents. Fungicides are not currently registered for use and hence there are no published data on their efficacy. The greatest challenge remains in reducing microbial loads (colony-forming units) on harvested inflorescences (buds). Contaminating microbes may be introduced during the cultivation and postharvest phases, or constitute resident endophytes. Failure to achieve a minimum threshold of microbes deemed to be safe for utilization of cannabis products can arise from conventional and organic cultivation methods, or following applications of beneficial biocontrol agents. The current regulatory process for approval of cannabis products presents a challenge to producers utilizing biological control agents for disease management. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Cannabis Contaminants Limit Pharmacological Use of Cannabidiol.

Abstract: For nearly a century, Cannabis has been stigmatized and criminalized across the globe, but in recent years, there has been a growing interest in Cannabis due to the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids. With this emerging interest in Cannabis, concerns have arisen about the possible contaminations of hemp with pesticides, heavy metals, microbial pathogens, and carcinogenic compounds during the cultivation, manufacturing, and packaging processes. This is of particular concern for those turning to Cannabis for medicinal purposes, especially those with compromised immune systems. This review aims to provide types of contaminants and examples of Cannabis contamination using case studies that elucidate the medical consequences consumers risk when using adulterated Cannabis products. Thus, it is imperative to develop universal standards for cultivation and testing of products to protect those who consume Cannabis.

Fusarium and Pythium species infecting roots of hydroponically grown marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) plants

Abstract: An increase in the cultivation of Cannabis sativa (cannabis or marijuana) plants in Canada is becoming associated with increased incidence and severity of various diseases, many of which have not b...