What is Bud Rot?

Bud Rot, as known in the cannabis industry, is a slang name for Botrytis or gray mold that affects cannabis flower – commonly referred to as buds.

Growers see mold beginning to grow in the cores of the densest buds. The initial infection is located on the stem on the inside of the bud. Cannabis bud rot is extremely difficult to see when in the beginning stages. Once the rot has started to spread, the surrounding buds are broken down by the mold.

Mold impacts plants whether they are grown indoors or outdoors. It produces spores that are easily spread to other areas in both grow rooms and fields. The first noticeable symptom is a wispy white mold. Then, the rot turns gray, then black. At this point, the buds will take on a slimy, mushy consistency.

The symptoms of mold include:

• Mushy grayish coloration of stems
• Yellow, wilted and burnt leaves
• Visible signs of mold
• White fluffy fungus on the buds
• Spots appearing on the leaves
• Brown, dry or curled leaves
• Deformed or abnormal leaf growth
• Greyish-brown calyces
• Darker or purple coloration of the leaves
• Small black spots
• Rotten brown buds

Thoroughly examine the crevices and cracks of any buds where a fungus is suspected. Look at the core to see if there are any signs of rot. If the core has a soggy brown appearance, remove the plant, place it into a bag, and separate it from your other plants to prevent contamination.

Examine other plants to see if there are similar symptoms, then quarantine them as well.

If you notice signs or symptoms of bud rot, be sure to change your clothing before proceeding to a different grow room or area. Wearing a protective suit is recommended.

How to Prevent Bud Rot Indoors?

There are several different techniques for how to prevent bud rot indoors. The first is an application of Trifecta Crop Control with a dilution of 1oz for each gallon. Treat your crops once per week.

In controlled spaces, humidity levels or RH are controlled through having proper A/C tonnage and greenhouse dehumidifiers. Having the appropriate levels of each maintains proper RH in grow rooms. Additionally, creating a vortex air flow and utilizing HEPA filter air scrubbers reduces the opportunity for mold or mildew spores to colonize.

If humidity levels remain high, defoliating or plucking the undercarriage of the bushiest plants allows for easier air movement, decreasing the likelihood for an outbreak of mold or mildew. You can supplement air flow by adding fans. Thoroughly inspect your plants daily. This will help you discover bud rot faster and potentially eliminate the issue completely.

The densest, longest and thickest buds should be watched extremely closely for any signs of rot. All the solutions below are good options for how to prevent bud rot indoors.

Apply Trifecta Crop Control;

Use an exhaust fan for air circulation;

Shake plants to remove excess moisture;

Ensure the humidity remains under control;

Remove the lower and middle leaves;

Thoroughly inspect plants every day.