Hemp is susceptible to fungal pathogens that induce wilt disease that can kill plants. The fungi that cause the disease can survive for years and are easily spread. But there are steps growers can take to prevent it.
Drought has become a fact of life for farmers throughout the West. For hemp growers, careful planning for where, when and what to plant can result in a crop that will thrive despite dry conditions.
Hemp growers need to monitor their fields regularly for adult beet leafhoppers, which can transmit the beet curly top virus. Although data for hemp is scarce, management techniques used to protect other crops are advised.
Hemp plants are susceptible to disease, especially at the early stages of development. Hemp growers can promote healthy plants by using high-quality seed and avoiding soil that is wet, dense or poorly drained.
What is the optimum number of hemp plants per acre? The answer depends on what it's being grown for. Fewer plants produce more prized colas or clusters of buds, while denser plantings yield more extractable cannabinoid.
Farming can be a physically demanding job, which puts farmers at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. But that risk can be significantly reduced by applying ergonomic principles to farm work.