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      How Does HLVd Invade Your Grow? (HLVd Deep Dive: Part 2)

      Learn how HLVd spreads and the essential protocols for prevention.

       

      In Part 1 of our HLVd Deep Dive, we unmasked the devastating threat Hop Latent Viroid poses to your cannabis cultivation – impacting everything from yield and potency to your bottom line. We explored what this unique pathogen is and the often-invisible challenge of identifying it.

      But knowing the enemy is only half the battle. How do you prevent this microscopic invader from breaching your defenses and spreading like wildfire through your facility in the first place?

      Welcome to Part 2 of the Abraxas Labs HLVd knowledge series! Now that you understand the stakes, we shift focus to actionable defense. Here, we expose exactly how this costly viroid travels – via contaminated tools, infected clones, shared water systems, and even potentially seeds and pollen. More importantly, we then lay out your essential prevention playbook: the non-negotiables for sourcing clean genetics, mastering effective sanitation protocols (including why some common methods fail against viroids), implementing strict quarantine and hygiene measures, and building robust barriers against infection.

      Since there's currently no cure for an infected plant, prevention isn't just important – it's paramount. Let's build your facility's defense strategy!

      Table of Contents

      1. How HLVd Spreads: Modes of Transmission
      2. Building Defenses: Preventing HLVd Infection
        1. Start Clean: Sourcing and Quarantine
        2. Essential Sanitation and Hygiene Practices
      3. Conclusions & What's Next

       

      Need reliable HLVd testing to protect your cannabis crop? Abraxas Labs provides industry-leading RT-qPCR analysis. Learn More & Get Started with Testing by Clicking Here

       

      How HLVd Spreads: Modes of Transmission

      HLVd spreads through various means, primarily via contact with infected plant sap 2. This mechanical transmission most commonly occurs through contaminated tools and equipment such as pruning shears and scalpels 2. Even minor injuries on healthy plants can serve as entry points for the viroid if they come into contact with infected sap 9. The stability of HLVd contributes to its transmissibility, as it can remain detectable on surfaces like gloves for up to 5 days and on dry leaves for as long as 4 weeks 4.

      Vegetative propagation through cloning from infected mother plants is another significant route of HLVd transmission 2. Since infected mother plants may not always show clear symptoms, especially early on, this practice can unknowingly lead to the widespread distribution of the viroid within a cultivation facility 4.

      In hydroponic systems, HLVd can spread through the shared water supply due to its high concentration in the roots of infected plants 4. Healthy plants can become infected by absorbing contaminated water through their roots, even without direct root-to-root contact 4. Recirculating water systems can further amplify this risk 9.

      "HLVd spreads through various means, primarily via contact with infected plant sap 2."

      Recent research has also indicated that HLVd can be transmitted through seeds produced by infected mother plants and via pollen from infected male plants 8. This finding is particularly important as it suggests a pathway for the viroid to spread even when starting from seed, although earlier studies in hops showed limited seed transmissibility 9. Studies in cannabis have reported relatively high seed transmission rates, potentially reaching up to 80% in seedlings 15. The viroid has been detected both on the surface and inside the seed 4.

      Human handling and movement within grow facilities can also contribute to the spread of HLVd. Workers can inadvertently transfer the viroid on their hands, gloves, and clothing after touching infected plants 2. Visitors can also potentially introduce the viroid on their hands or shoes if they have been in contact with infected plant material elsewhere 11.

      The primary mode of HLVd transmission is through contact with infected plant sap, emphasizing the need for stringent hygiene and sanitation practices. The recent evidence of seed and pollen transmission adds a crucial layer to understanding the spread, requiring growers to consider the health of mother plants intended for seed production. The ability of HLVd to spread through various direct and indirect contact methods, including tools, propagation, water, and human activity, necessitates a comprehensive and strictly enforced hygiene protocol throughout the entire cultivation facility.

       

      Building Defenses: Preventing HLVd Infection

      Preventing HLVd infection hinges on a multi-faceted approach, with the use of clean, viroid-free starting material being paramount 3. Sourcing clones or seeds from reputable suppliers who conduct regular HLVd testing is crucial. Ideally, all incoming plant material should undergo quarantine and testing before introduction into the main cultivation area 2. For growers producing their own propagation material, rigorous testing of mother plants and pollen lines is essential 3. Starting from seed, when sourced from tested plants, is generally a safer option than using clones 9.

      "Preventing HLVd infection hinges on a multi-faceted approach, with the use of clean, viroid-free starting material being paramount 3."

       

      Start Clean: Sourcing and Quarantine

      Implementing strict sanitation practices for tools, equipment, and grow spaces is equally vital 15. All tools coming into contact with plants should be regularly and thoroughly sterilized, ideally between each plant 2. A 10% solution of household bleach is the most effective disinfectant against HLVd 2. Heat sterilization at 320°F for 10 minutes can also be used for tools 8. It is crucial to avoid alcohol-based sanitizers, as they are ineffective against viroids 2.

       

      Essential Sanitation and Hygiene Practices

      Strict hygiene protocols for staff and visitors are also necessary 2. This includes wearing fresh gloves for each plant and sterilizing hands or gloves between plants. Footbaths and protective clothing should be used before entering growing areas 11. Implementing a quarantine period of at least 30 days for all new plants with mandatory HLVd testing before introducing them to the main grow area is also a critical preventative measure 2.

      Given the lack of a cure for HLVd, prevention through a combination of sourcing clean materials, implementing rigorous sanitation protocols, enforcing strict staff and visitor hygiene, and utilizing quarantine with mandatory testing represents the most effective strategy for commercial cannabis operations. The consistent recommendation of bleach as a reliable disinfectant, coupled with the ineffectiveness of alcohol-based sanitizers, provides growers with crucial, actionable information for their sanitation practices.

      "A 10% solution of household bleach is the most effective disinfectant against HLVd 2."

      Conclusions & What's Next

      You now have the HLVd prevention playbook. Understanding that this viroid spreads relentlessly via contact, propagation, water, and potentially seeds is critical. Implementing rigorous protocols – starting clean with tested material, meticulous sanitation (especially using effective agents like bleach), strict hygiene, and robust quarantine – forms your essential first line of defense against this costly pathogen. These steps are non-negotiable for minimizing risk.

      But let's be realistic: is your defense truly impenetrable? How can you be certain that your starting material is clean? How do you verify that your sanitation efforts are succeeding day in and day out? What's your strategy if, despite your best efforts, the viroid is already lurking undetected within your valuable genetics?

      Prevention minimizes risk, but detection provides certainty.

      Part 3, the critical next installment in our HLVd series, tackles this vital question head-on. We'll dive deep into why visual inspection fails, explore the non-negotiable role of accurate, early detection through advanced molecular testing, and discuss effective strategies for managing HLVd once it's identified. Learn how to truly take control with data-driven insights – the kind provided by experts like Abraxas Labs.

      You won't want to miss the crucial step that bridges prevention and control. Stay tuned!

       

      Need reliable HLVd testing to protect your cannabis crop? Abraxas Labs provides industry-leading RT-qPCR analysis. Learn More & Get Started with Testing by Clicking Here

       

      References

      1. Hop Latent Viroid: A Hidden Threat to the Cannabis Industry - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed March 26, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10053334/
      2. Battling the Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd): a New Threat for Hemp Crops. - Atami, accessed March 26, 2025, https://atami.com/blog/cultivation/battling-the-hop-latent-viroid-hlvd-a-new-threat-for-hemp-crops/
      3. Elevate Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) Testing with an Advanced Cannabis Lab Management Solution - FreeLIMS, accessed March 26, 2025, https://freelims.org/elevate-hop-latent-viroid-hlvd-testing-with-an-advanced-cannabis-lab-management-solution/
      4. Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis - Medicinal Genomics, accessed March 26, 2025, https://medicinalgenomics.com/hop-latent-viroid-in-cannabis/
      5. Preventing and Managing Hop Latent Viroid Disease in Your Cannabis Plants | Blog, accessed March 26, 2025, https://horticulture.comlight.com/post/preventing-and-managing-hop-latent-viroid-disease-in-your-cannabis-plants
      6. Assessing the impact of hop latent viroid (HLVD) on hemp (Cannabis sativa) and exploring mitigation strategies - Mountain Scholar, accessed March 26, 2025, https://mountainscholar.org/items/a7529099-8273-4e42-b768-362bd63d5304
      7. THESIS ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF HOP LATENT VIROID (HLVD) ON HEMP (CANNABIS SATIVA) AND EXPLORING MITIGATION STRATEGIES Submitted, accessed March 26, 2025, https://mountainscholar.org/bitstreams/e9e009fb-1eed-4bbf-8db7-bb9e4f3b8ee6/download
      8. Hop latent viroid in hemp | OSU Extension Service - Oregon State University, accessed March 26, 2025, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/hemp/hop-latent-viroid-hemp
      9. Hop Latent Viroid (HpLVd): What We Know - Ethos Genetics, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.ethosgenetics.com/resources/hop-latent-viroid-hplvd-what-we-know
      10. What is Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis - PathogenDx, accessed March 26, 2025, https://pathogendx.com/what-is-hop-latent-viroid/
      11. Hop Latent Viroid (HLV) Archives | The National Cannabis Industry Association, accessed March 26, 2025, https://thecannabisindustry.org/tag/hop-latent-viroid-hlv/
      12. Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis | Testing & Detecting HLVd - Modern Canna, accessed March 26, 2025, https://moderncanna.com/hop-latent-viroid-testing/
      13. The Threat for Cannabis Crop Cultivation : HpLVd - MyFloraDNA Group, accessed March 26, 2025, https://myfloradna.com/hplvd-the-threat-for-cannabis-crop-cultivation/
      14. How serious is Hop Latent Viroid for growing cannabis? | Grow Weed Easy, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.growweedeasy.com/how-serious-is-hop-latent-viroid-for-growing-cannabis
      15. Hop Latent Viroid Testing | Order an HLVd Test Kit - TUMI Genomics, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.tumigenomics.com/hop-latent-viroid-information