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Fusarium Species Infecting Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) Plants Show Potential for Mycotoxin Production in Inoculated Inflorescences and from Natural Inoculum Sources

Summary

This research examines dangerous fungal infections in greenhouse-grown cannabis plants. Scientists found that Fusarium fungi, which also infect grains, can infect cannabis flowers and produce harmful toxins (mycotoxins) that could harm consumers. The study identified that nearby tall fescue plants may be spreading these fungi into greenhouses. Different cannabis varieties showed different levels of toxin accumulation despite similar fungal colonization, suggesting some varieties may be naturally more resistant.

Background

Several Fusarium species including F. graminearum, F. sporotrichiodes, F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, and F. solani have been reported to infect cannabis inflorescences in Canadian greenhouses. These infections cause bud rot symptoms and raise concerns about potential mycotoxin accumulation that may go undetected in harvested cannabis products.

Objective

To confirm Fusarium species present on infected cannabis inflorescences and determine mycotoxin presence, conduct artificial inoculation studies to demonstrate pathogenicity and mycotoxin production, and investigate possible sources of inoculum for greenhouse-grown cannabis infections.

Results

F. avenaceum and F. graminearum were confirmed in naturally infected tissues. F. graminearum-infected tissues contained 3-acetyl DON (0.13-0.40 μg/g), DON (1.18-1.91 μg/g), and zearalenone (31.8-56.2 μg/g). F. sporotrichiodes produced HT2 and T2 toxins. F. avenaceum produced enniatins and beauvericin. Tall fescue plants adjacent to the greenhouse harbored both Fusarium species and served as likely inoculum sources.

Conclusion

Infection by F. graminearum and F. avenaceum from artificial inoculation or natural inoculum from tall fescue can lead to mycotoxin accumulation in cannabis inflorescences. Environmental conditions and cannabis genotype influence mycotoxin levels. Future regulatory frameworks should consider monitoring Fusarium and Alternaria mycotoxins in cannabis production facilities.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40985446, DOI: 10.3390/jof11070528
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