By Luke Sumpter


Your hydroponic grow tent might feel like a safe haven; you’re in complete control of the light cycle, temperature, and nutrient schedule. But don’t get complacent. Hydroponic growers also have to deal with pests. While bothersome insects are more prolific outdoors, they often wriggle, fly, and crawl their way into indoor growing operations too. Even if you’ve taken special care to secure your windows, vents, and other possible entrances, pests can enter via a host of vectors, including growing equipment, clothing, and growing media.

Identify and Eliminate Cannabis Pests From Your Hydroponic Grow

So, what exactly are you up against? Given the chances, many different pest species will "champ at the bit" to sink their mouthparts into your luscious cannabis leaves, stems, and roots. But six species, in particular, are much more successful at penetrating hydroponic cannabis setups and making a meal of plants.

Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these critters, including how to identify them and how to banish them from your cultivation space.

Aphids

These minute sap-sucking insects target the phloem, or vascular system, of plants. These internal tubes ferry water and dissolved nutrients throughout the plant. Aphids use their mouthparts to puncture plant tissue and siphon this precious liquid.

A handful of aphids can satisfy their needs without doing too much harm, but they multiply fast. When their numbers get out of control, they can quickly suck a plant dry. Without enough circulating nutrients, hydroponic cannabis plants become stunted and deprived. There are around 5,000 species of aphids, and each one generally targets a particular plant species. The hemp aphid (Phorodon cannabis) has a ravenous appetite for, well, cannabis sap.

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Aphids
Cannabis aphids aren’t very subtle in their approach; they leave obvious signs as they go about sucking on sap. Perhaps the most obvious is the aphids themselves! These pests congregate on the stems and leaves in large numbers, and primarily amass on the underside of fan leaves to shelter themselves from direct light. Other signs of aphids include:
  • White skin moults on leaves
  • Sticky sap buildup on leaves
  • Stunted growth
  • Yellowing leaves
How To Treat Aphids
So, how should you proceed in eliminating aphids from your hydro grow? Check out the most effective methods:
  • Defoliate: Use a pair of pruning shears to cut away severely infested branches and leaves.
  • Organic insecticides: Use organic insecticides, such as Essentria IC3 and Spinosad, according to the product instructions.
  • Neem oil: Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil and 4–5 drops of surfactant into 1 litre of warm water, and apply with a misting bottle directly to affected sites.

Root Aphids

Root aphids aren’t dissimilar to their above-ground cousins. Instead of sucking sap from leaves and stems, though, they target the roots. However, the life cycle starts on the aerial parts of the plant. Once the eggs hatch, these critters migrate downward. Yes, root aphids also impact hydroponic cannabis plants!

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Root Aphids
Root aphids are easier to spot when growing hydroponic cannabis. While soil growers can’t peer into the rhizosphere, hydro growers can take a direct look at the root system. Here’s what to look for:
  • Tiny white critters in the root network
  • Chalky white material on roots
  • Stunted growth
  • Wilted leaves and loss of plant vigour
How To Treat Root Aphids
In order to eliminate root aphids in hydro, in coco, or in Rockwool, you have to be aggressive, but cautious:
  • Killer dip: Prepare a bucket of insecticidal soap solution. Pick up plants by the net cup, then dip the roots into the solution, followed by a dip in a rinse bucket.
  • Clean: After removing the plant, thoroughly scrub down your hydro bucket with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Spider Mites

Spider mites often show up in hydroponic cannabis grows. As a species of mite, the “spider” in their name merely refers to the silk webs they spin in order to protect their colonies from predators. These tiny pests hang out on the underside of leaves, frequently piercing plant tissue to feed on cells. Once a spider mite colony achieves a respectable size, it can do some real damage.

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Spider Mites

Fortunately, spider mites leave tell-tale signs that make them easy to spot before they develop a substantial foothold. Look out for:

  • Spider mites themselves
  • Webbing
  • Eggs, which appear as tiny white specks
  • Stunted growth
How To Treat Spider Mites
Once you discover the presence of spider mites, don’t hang around! Use the tips below immediately to deal with the infestation:
  • Reduce the temperature: Spider mites like it warm, so try to maintain a consistent temp of 20ºC or below[1] in your hydroponic growing space.
  • Prune: Chop away leaves and branches that are completely overrun with webbing and eggs to minimise further spread.
  • Predatory insects: Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs into hydroponic greenhouses and polytunnels (they’re less suitable for indoor situations, as you can imagine).
  • Insecticidal soaps: Apply insecticidal soaps to the affected area in line with product guidance.

Fungus Gnats

Although they’re pests in the eyes of hydroponic cannabis growers, fungus gnats play a crucial ecological role. They feast on fungi in the soil, contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, and even carry pollen and fungal spores. Despite their vital function, fungus gnat larvae have a habit of damaging cannabis root hairs, and the adults carry diseases, such as “damping off”, that kill seedlings.

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Fungus Gnats

A fungus gnat infestation is generally easy to identify in a hydro cannabis grow:

  • Gnats crawling and jumping around the root system
  • Maggots wriggling around the root system
  • Pale, spotted leaves
  • Brown edges on leaves
  • Drooping plants
  • Collapsing seedlings
How To Treat Fungus Gnats

How to go about killing fungus gnats in hydroponics? Consider these options:

  • Yellow sticky traps: Place these contraptions close to your hydro buckets and reservoirs.
  • Beneficial bacteria: Apply a solution of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis to the root system to send fungus gnats packing.

Whiteflies

Another sap-sucker, whiteflies also dwell on the underside of leaves. After dining on sap, they excrete a sticky substance that accumulates and attracts other pests and contributes to the growth of moulds. Whiteflies can work their way through vents, or simply fly through open windows and doors, and lay their eggs in circular groups of 30–40 on cannabis leaves.

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Whiteflies

Much like aphids, whiteflies puncture cannabis tissue and drain out sap, which leads to a list of similar symptoms. The primary signs of a whitefly infestation are:

  • Whiteflies buzzing around cannabis canopies
  • White groupings of eggs on the underside of leaves
  • White spots on top of fan leaves
  • Yellowing leaves
  • Loss of vigour
How To Treat Whiteflies

Are whiteflies taking a toll on your hydroponic weed plants? Use these tips to get rid of them as soon as possible:

  • Predatory insects: Ladybugs also have an appetite for whiteflies; deploy them in greenhouses and polytunnels.
  • Wipe them away: If you’re only dealing with one or two infected plants, use a damp cloth to remove any eggs, and discard them away from your growing space.
  • Neem oil: Our trusty old friend neem oil also comes in handy here; apply a diluted solution with a mister.
  • Essentria IC3: Apply this mix of horticultural oils according to product instructions, and use daily until the infestation ceases.

Thrips

Thrips love the conditions of indoor growing environments. The controlled temperatures, consistent lighting, and abundance of water in hydroponic setups is a haven for these creatures. Surprise, surprise—thrips also have a penchant for cannabis sap. Think about it. This rich substance contains all of the nutrients plants need to survive. Why wouldn’t they tuck in?

But thrips don’t just pose a direct physical threat to your hydroponic cannabis plants. This pest also carries over viruses that cause plant disease. You don’t want them anywhere near your indoor grow.

What Cannabis Leaves Can Tell You
How To Spot Thrips

Your plants are looking worse for wear. How do you know you’re dealing with a thrip infestation? Look for these key signs:

  • Distorted leaves
  • Curls, rolls, or folds on leaf tissue
  • Irregular bronze and silver spots
  • The presence of thrips themselves—small yellow-white flies with or without wings depending on their stage of life
How To Treat Thrips

Got thrips? Don’t let this pest do any further damage. Take these measures to get the infestation under control and rescue your hydroponic growth:

  • Sticky traps: Suspend sticky traps from the top of your grow tent so they dangle in close proximity to the canopy.
  • Neem oil: Apply a diluted neem solution and let this plant oil work its magic once again.
  • Alternative sprays: Pyrethrum fatty acids and plant oil products are great options to get rid of thrips.
  • Predatory insects: Deploy predatory mites, such as Amblyseius swirskii[2] and Neoseiulus cucumeris[3].

Pests Threatening Your Hydro Grow? — Go on the Offence!

There you have it; now you’re equipped with the knowledge to defend your hydroponic cannabis plants against the six major pests that are out to get them. Remember, just because you’re growing in a cosy indoor setting doesn’t mean these critters won’t find a way in. Make an effort to keep your space clean, and regularly inspect your plants and hydroponic system for issues. The earlier you detect the signs of an infestation, the better the odds of saving your precious plants.

Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: