There is much discussion by cannabis growers about the prevention of plant diseases, oftentimes circling back to the idea of curating a sterile cultivation system. However, keeping microbial populations in balance between beneficials and pathogens is just as effective in preserving plant health. Sterile production systems are extremely hard to procure and maintain, and most often can only be administered in clinical laboratories. Current research in plant-microbiome interactions has revealed several beneficial, if not essential, symbiotic relationships between plant hosts and their microbial communities. Also, heavy sterilization of systems can cause damage to these plant-microbe relationships. In this presentation, Mr. DiLegge will provide an overview of sterile systems, low and high microbe-biomass cultivation systems, as well as highlight some important roles a plant’s microbiome can play in benefiting the growth and development of their hosts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain that “sterile” doesn’t always mean “good” for plant growth and development.

2. Discuss the importance of plant-microbe interactions.

3. Support for growers to be conscious of their plants microbiome(s) in practice.