Diseases are among the biggest threats to modern cannabis cultivation, yet many growers underestimate the hidden dangers lurking in their plants. From Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) to powdery mildew, pathogens can silently spread through your facility, slashing yields, degrading quality, and eating into your bottom line.
In fact, HLVd alone causes an estimated $4 billion in losses to cannabis cultivators every year, according to research published in the journal Viruses. With so much riding on each harvest, can you really afford to take chances?
Investing in plant pathogen testing isn’t just an extra precaution — it’s an essential safeguard against devastating losses. By catching infections early, you can protect your crops, maintain product quality, and ensure the long-term success and reputation of your brand. Keep reading to learn why proactive pathogen testing is one of the smartest investments you can make!
What is plant pathogen testing?
Plant pathogen testing detects harmful pathogens and is so crucial because it helps to identify potential threats early, enabling proactive disease management and prevention of further spread.
How does plant pathogen testing work at ACT LAB?
Plant pathogen detection begins with extracting DNA or RNA from the plant leaves, seeds, or roots. qPCR testing, or quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction testing, is then used to detect and measure pathogens in those plants.
Think of it as a highly accurate detective tool for your crops — qPCR goes beyond simply confirming whether a pathogen exists; it provides critical data on infection levels. This precision helps cultivators assess the severity of plant diseases and make informed decisions to maintain healthy, thriving crops.
At ACT LAB, we partner with our clients to develop a customized pathogen testing approach tailored to their unique canopy. Here’s how it works: following an initial video consultation, our team determines the best course of action. This may include reviewing plant photos, conducting an onsite visit, or assessing Standard Operating Procedures.
Based on the consultation, we’ll provide written sampling guidelines and offer virtual or in-person training on best sampling practices. For clients submitting leaf tissue, ACT supplies compliant collection kits and facilitates sample transport to its Pathogen Center of Excellence in Florida. Samples can be mailed directly or submitted through a local selection specialist at any ACT location.
Once analyzed, clients receive a detailed data report on a customizable Pathogen Dashboard, highlighting results and trends. If significant changes are detected, our experts will proactively schedule follow-ups to recommend adjustments to sampling protocols. If no pathogens are found but symptoms persist, we’ll leverage our extensive network to conduct advanced screenings beyond our Florida lab capabilities, ensuring no disease goes undetected.
What is the value of plant pathogen testing for cultivators?
- Identify both asymptomatic and latent problems
- Protect potency and terpene profiles
- Mitigate significant crop yield loss
- Respond to acute outbreaks before they infect your entire crop
- Avoid recalls, fines, and damage to brand reputation
- Ensure consumer confidence and safety
What are common challenges with plant pathogen testing?
Cannabis cultivators face several challenges when it comes to plant pathogen testing, including:
- Early Detection Difficulties. Many plant pathogens remain undetectable until visible symptoms appear — and by that time, the infection may have already spread. Regular proactive testing is essential, but knowing the right timing and cadence for testing can be challenging. The primary objective of our plant pathogen services is early detection, which allows cultivators to address issues before they become severe and lead to significant crop loss or a reduction in profits.
- Contamination Risks. Cross-contamination between plants, equipment, or even staff can lead to false positives or inaccurate results. Maintaining strict biosecurity measures and proper sample collection protocols is crucial for reliable testing outcomes. That’s why ACT LAB clients submitting any type of plant tissue for pathogen screening will be provided sampling guides to explain the process, as well as common mistakes. We also offer onsite or virtual training to help with this process.
- Geographic considerations. Different regions deal with different pathogens, but our program offers consultative services with leading industry experts and the flexibility to test for additional pathogens not listed in our standard testing panel. This approach ensures clients can tailor testing to their specific needs depending on their location and growing environment.
Overcome these challenges with plant pathogen testing at ACT LAB
ACT LAB’s cutting-edge Plant Pathogen Testing Program helps cultivators and operators protect their plants and profits from destructive pathogens.
Our Pathogen Testing Protocols
- Preventative programs and responsive support
- Team of scientists and cultivation experts to identify the root cause of acute issues
- State-of-the-art testing methods and capabilities using multiple PCR platforms
Pathogens We Test For
- Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd)
- Cannabis Cryptic Virus (CCV)
- Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)
- Lettuce Chlorosis Virus (LCV)
- Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV)
- Powdery Mildew
- Fusarium
- Botrytis
- Pan Pythium
- Russet Mites
A-La-Carte & Custom Plant Pathogen Testing Options
We test for a variety of plant pathogens that affect cannabis crops in various growing environments and geographic regions. These pathogen tests are available on an a la carte basis. Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can provide custom testing services based on your needs and also offer bundled plant pathogen solutions.
Bundled High Priority Testing Services for All Cultivation Environments
We also offer bundled test options that support all cultivation approaches – for Indoor, Outdoor, and Greenhouse Grows. Bundles include recommended screenings to identify common and high-risk pathogens in pre-cloning stock plants, as well as imported plants and clones.
Expert Consulting Services
Our pathogen consultation services provide expert guidance on testing cadences and methods, ensuring your grow remains healthy at every stage of the seed-to-sale process. Our customized testing protocols are tailored to meet your specific manufacturing needs, helping you detect and prevent potential threats before they impact your crop. Not sure how often to test? We’re here to help you determine a schedule. Worried about an unidentified pathogen affecting your grow? Our team of testing experts is ready to provide the insights and solutions you need to figure out what is going on and formulate a path forward.
Start prioritizing proactive plant health with ACT LAB as your testing partner
Partnering with ACT LAB for plant pathogen testing ensures that your cultivation remains healthy, productive, and compliant. By identifying potential threats early, implementing tailored testing protocols, and maintaining a proactive approach to plant health, you can prevent costly losses and optimize your yield. Let ACT Lab help you safeguard your grow—because a healthier harvest means a stronger bottom line.
Ready to get started? Request testing today. Want to learn even more about our plant pathogen testing capabilities first?
