Optimizing biological control of pests in cannabis production****

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GreenSeal Cannabis Company is an indoor vertical growing cannabis in a highly controlled environment using LED lighting, automated HVAC and vent filters. Nonetheless the growers are in a constant fight to control populations of thrips and fungus gnats, which, if left unchecked, can significantly damage the crop and reduce the value of the final product. The main way of managing these pests is using beneficial insects, but these methods are expensive and too variable in their effectiveness. Recent developments in microbial pest management has demonstrated that the bacterium Bacillus pumilus, when used as a growing medium amendment, could suppress populations of fungus gnats and contribute to the control of populations of thrips. In light of these findings and taking into consideration that no studies have been conducted on cannabis, the purpose of this research is to test the efficacy of Bacillus pumilus inoculated growing medium on fungus gnats and thrips infestations. These findings will improve the biological pest management strategy for cannabis cultivation.**