Beneficials help forge the way for medicinal-grade cannabis

13/06/2019 - Set up in 2012, Wellness Connection devotes 0.27 hectares of indoor growing space to medicinal-grade cannabis production at Auburn, Maine, in the USA. 

Wellness Connections’ IPM Specialist, Jeremiah Merrill, started in this industry by chance − but immediately found it a fascinating field to work in. 

“Our mission to improve the quality of life is something we can all strive for,” he says. “Cannabis is a growth crop. In recent years, increasing numbers of people have accepted that it can be an effective treatment for many symptoms, with more frequently being discovered.” 

Medicinal-grade cannabis crops are highly regulated in regard to which products can be used during production. As such, Wellness Connections set out employing programmes of biological controls. “During cannabis processing into concentrated products it is important there are no residues of oils etc. from spray programs,” explains Jeremiah. 

“To-date we have successfully used many different beneficial insects in our crop. One of my favorite products is the Aphi-Mix-System, with the Aphidius colemani wasps acting as an aphid scout. Once aphids are located, the wasps parasitize them and they change colour. This makes them more visible and I can easily identify and mark the hotspots. From there we can release Chrysopa larvae as a cleanup crew.” 

Jeremiah has also successfully used Hypoaspis predatory mites released directly onto the growing medium. “All these controls are very easy to use and effective,” he says. 

“I chose to collaborate with Biobest as their technical knowledge and customer service cannot be matched by competitors.” Having now worked with the team for around four years he says:

“It’s been a great experience as there is always a Biobest representative ready to assist. With their help and recommendations, I have been able to tackle some challenging pest control issues. 

“The deliveries of beneficial insects have also been highly reliable – which is important. All-in-all the service has been of a very high standard and I wholeheartedly recommend Biobest to colleagues and other growers.”