The number of greenhouses in the US that are growing cannabis crops has increased significantly. Whether the cannabis crop is for THC or CBD production, one of the largest challenges that growers face is preventing microbial growth. Mold, fungal, viral, bacterial and nematode growth on cannabis plants can reduce growth, quality and yield. Annual harvest losses alone can range from 10-15% due to excessive microbial count on the crop. In this blog, I’ll talk about how Eldridge is killing greenhouse microbes with CASPR (Continuous Air and Surface Pathogen Reduction) to improve crop yields.
Greenhouse Environment Promotes Microbe Growth
A greenhouse environment is perfect for promoting microbe growth. The warm temperatures and high humidity that will maximize plant growth are also great for microbe growth. Plants grown outdoors in full sunlight benefit from the UV rays that naturally restrict microbe growth. However, greenhouses use artificial light that doesn’t provide the same UV ray protection.
CASPR is the Best Solution
Growers are currently using a number of ways to combat microbe growth. Two of the most common methods are UV light and anti-microbial sprays. Both have significant downsides. UV light is effective at killing microbes on plant surfaces exposed to the light but does nothing for the underside of the leaves. Additionally, when used on cannabis, excessive UV light may degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.
The downside to anti-microbial sprays is that they are specific to a certain type of microbe. That means multiple sprays may be required to kill all microbes. Also, getting the right concentration is important or there will be too little or too much applied to the plants.
CASPR is the best solution for killing microbes for many reasons:
- The hydrogen peroxide produced has been proven to be effective at killing all types of microbes.
- It will kill microbes and prevent future growth on all surfaces of a plant that are exposed to air.
- The continuous circulation of air around plants will provide 24/7 protection.
- Hydrogen peroxide is an FDA approved food additive so there is no harmful risks to humans.
- Once a CASPR unit is installed, there is no labor required to apply the hydrogen peroxide and the units require maintenance only every two years.
A CASPR Application
An Eldridge customer in New Mexico was experiencing a high yield loss on their cannabis harvest due to high microbe counts. We recommended that they use CASPR and they agreed to install the units in one of their grow rooms.
The customer was circulating air through soft plastic ducts that ran under the grow tables. We worked with the CASPR product specialists to custom design a plenum box to house the CASPR unit. Then each soft plastic duct run was out fitted with a plenum box containing a CASPR unit.
The solution developed by CASPR and Eldridge will provide the customer’s cannabis plants with a continuous flow of airborne hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will cover all surfaces of the plants to prevent microbe growth, even on the under sides of the leaves.
Conclusion
CASPR’s proprietary technology for producing hydrogen peroxide in a steady, continuous amount is the perfect solution for protecting greenhouse grown cannabis plants from the costly impacts of microbes. Our customer will have a 100% payback of their investment in CASPR units in only one crop cycle.
If you are interested in learning more about how CASPR can kill microbes in a greenhouse or any other type of indoor environment, contact a ventilation specialist at Eldridge.