Using Lactobacillus to control powdery mildew on cannabis is a natural, effective, and organic approach. Lactobacillus, a type of beneficial bacteria, competes with harmful pathogens like powdery mildew, altering the plant’s surface environment to inhibit its growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Why Use Lactobacillus?
1. Natural Antifungal Properties: Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, which lowers pH on leaf surfaces, creating an inhospitable environment for powdery mildew.
2. Plant-Safe: It doesn’t harm cannabis plants when properly applied.
3. Organic and Sustainable: No harmful chemicals are introduced to the plant or environment.
How to Make a Lactobacillus Solution
1. Ingredients
• Rice wash water: 1 cup (soak a small amount of rice in water and strain).
• Milk: 10 cups (raw or pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized).
• Unsulfured molasses: 1 tablespoon (optional, for feeding bacteria).
2. Steps to Culture Lactobacillus
1. Ferment the Rice Water:
• Leave the rice wash water in a loosely covered container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
• A sour smell indicates the presence of Lactobacillus.
2. Add Milk:
• Combine the rice wash water with milk at a 1:10 ratio (e.g., 1 cup rice water to 10 cups milk).
• Let it sit in a loosely covered container for 5–7 days at room temperature.
3. Separate Curds and Whey:
• The mixture will separate into solid curds and liquid whey. The liquid whey contains the Lactobacillus.
• Strain and collect the liquid whey.
4. Store the Solution:
• Mix the whey with equal parts water for storage. Keep refrigerated, and it will last for several months.
How to Use Lactobacillus to Treat Powdery Mildew
Dilution
• Mix 1 part Lactobacillus whey with 9 parts water for a spray solution.
• For added effectiveness, you can include 1 tablespoon of molasses per gallon to boost microbial activity.
Application
1. Spray Affected Areas:
• Use a fine mist to thoroughly coat the tops and undersides of the leaves, focusing on areas with visible powdery mildew.
2. Timing:
• Apply in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning the leaves in direct sunlight.
3. Frequency:
• Spray every 3–5 days until the mildew is gone. For prevention, spray once every 1–2 weeks.
Additional Tips
1. Maintain Airflow: Ensure good air circulation in your grow space to reduce humidity levels, which favor powdery mildew.
2. Monitor Humidity: Keep relative humidity below 50% during the flowering stage.
3. Sanitation: Remove severely affected leaves and disinfect tools to prevent further spread.
4. Test First: Always test the solution on a small area of your plant to ensure no adverse reactions.
Lactobacillus is a safe, sustainable solution that not only controls powdery mildew but also promotes overall plant health. Regular use can prevent recurring outbreaks while enriching the plant’s microbial environment!
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