Grant examines biopesticides for hemp treatment

The economic importance of hemp is increasing both globally and in the United States. However, because federal laws restricted hemp growth and research until recently, commercial hemp production lacks best practices for cultivation, including effective and safe pest and disease management. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) Hemp Research Consortium is providing a $210,000 grant to Cornell University to identify biologically derived crop protection products – biopesticides – to control hemp’s major pest and disease threats. BioWorks and the University of Kentucky (UK) are participating in the research, and BioWorks is providing matching funds for a total $420,000 investment.

"Research on hemp production is still in its infancy, and pests and disease can be an overwhelming challenge for many growers. This project is providing actionable knowledge that will help the hemp production industry thrive." KATHY MUNKVOLD, PH.D. Scientific Program Director Cultivating Thriving Production Systems

Companies developing crop protection products currently focus on fruit, vegetable and commodity crops such as corn and soy, rather than newer crops like hemp. This project seeks to fill that gap through a partnership between academic institutions and industry.

Researchers at Cornell, BioWorks and UK, led by Dr. Christine Smart, director of Cornell AgriTech, are determining the effectiveness of biopesticides against several hemp diseases and investigating the tolerance of hemp crops to these products. They are also studying the compatibility of biopesticides with other crop protection products used in hemp production. In addition, the team is examining how long the microbes in bioproducts remain on the plant, which is important for product application timing and post-harvest hemp microbial testing required for some hemp products.

This research will broaden our understanding of how to effectively manage the pests and diseases that undermine hemp production and inform recommendations for controlling those threats. Ultimately, growers will save money through proper use of inputs and higher crop yield, and consumers will gain wider access to safe, high-quality hemp products.

″Hemp growers are looking for information on pest and disease control, and I am enthusiastic that this project will enable improved management strategies,″ said Dr. Smart.

To learn more about this grant, visit the Evaluating Biopesticides for the Treatment of Hemp page on FFAR’s website.