Identification of microorganisms associated with the soil, substrate and water of a Cannabis sativa L. production system.

Abstract

The crop of medicinal cannabis has developed great importance in recent years in Colombia and other Latin American countries. Considering the production characteristics of the crop, which is fundamentally based on organic models, it is important to know the microorganisms that accompany the production system and their possible implications for management. In this research were isolated and characterized the microorganisms in the different phases of production of a high-density cannabis crop: planting, or propagation areas, production areas, and postharvest areas (flower pre-drying). In each area samples of soil, substrates and water were taken and the microorganisms present were identified by direct sowing in culture media, using microscopic identification and molecular characterization. A high diversity was found in all production areas, and it was evidenced that beneficial microorganisms (Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp.) applied to the production system regulate the populations of microorganisms in the soil and in the substrates. It was identified that perlite and coconut fiber allow the development of populations of phosphorus solubilizing and nitrogen fixing microorganisms and that the production of compost using crop waste is safe at a sanitary level. No populations of pathogens were identified in any of the samples evaluated at levels that could explain the presence of diseases in the crop.

Keywords

• microorganisms
• cannabis
• soil