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Organically grown cannabis (Cannabis saliva L.) plants contain a diverse range of culturable epiphytic and endophytic fungi in inflorescences and stem tissues

Authors :
Punja, Zamir K.
Scott, Cameron
Source :
Botany. July, 2023, Vol. 101 Issue 7, p255, 15 p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

We investigated the diversity of fungal species present on inflorescences as epiphytes and in stem tissues as endophytes in flowering plants of cannabis grown organically in British Columbia during 2019-2021. Fresh and dried inflorescence samples were obtained at various times during production while stems were obtained at harvest. Fungal species in the air were assessed by exposing Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar + streptomycin sulfate for 1 h in the growing environment while soil samples were dilution-plated to assess soil fungal diversity. Colonies were identified from PCR-derived sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Twenty-nine species in 26 genera were recovered from inflorescences and 17 species in 11 genera originated from stem tissues. Approximately 96% of species found on inflorescences were present in air and 45% were present in organic soil. The fungi comprised plant pathogens, saprophytes, and opportunistic human pathogens. A large proportion of the species found in air and soil in organic facilities are present on cannabis inflorescences, where they may increase total colony forming units and negatively affect product quality. Some species could contribute to allergies or secondary infections in humans. The potential benefits of endophytes within organically grown cannabis plants remain unexplored. Key words: Cannabis sativa, post-harvest quality, soil fungi, organic production, plant pathogens, endophytes<br />Introduction Large-scale production of THC-containing Cannabis sativa L. (referred to here as cannabis) for medicinal and recreational use is currently permitted in Canada following its legalization in 2018. Licensed producers [...]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19162790
Volume :
101
Issue :
7
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Botany
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.757466569
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjb-2022-0116