By Gloria Payá


In recent years, there has been a growing interest in organic cultivation thanks to increased awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and food quality. Unlike conventional agriculture, which heavily relies on synthetic chemicals, organic cultivation employs natural methods to enhance soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and produce high-quality crops. The benefits of organic cultivation include reducing chemical residues from pesticides, fertilisers, and herbicides, which lowers the risk of exposure to these harmful compounds.

Some studies[1] suggest that organic products may contain higher levels of specific nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, than conventional formulas. Specifically, organic cannabis has been shown to have a higher ratio of terpenes, which positively influence its flavour and aroma. Additionally, organic cultivation[2] improves environmental sustainability by enhancing soil structure and fertility, supporting local biodiversity, and reducing water and soil pollution.

Pest and disease control in organic cultivation is crucial for maintaining plant health and ecosystem sustainability. Unlike conventional agriculture, which depends on synthetic pesticides and fungicides, organic cultivation uses natural alternatives to manage these problems, promoting a balanced and safe agricultural environment. Among these alternatives, turmeric stands out as a natural and versatile agent[3] due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.

Cannabis and turmeric

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant with a long history of medicinal and culinary use, particularly in Asia. It has been used for millennia for its proposed wellness influence, and numerous scientific studies support turmeric's capacity as a potent agent against pathogens affecting human health.

In the culinary field, it is a well-known spice and the main component of curry in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Its vibrant yellow colour and flavour make it indispensable in many dishes. Besides its use as a spice, turmeric has historically been used as a natural preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. In India, "golden milk" (a mixture of milk with turmeric and other ingredients) is a traditional drink known for its health benefits[4].

Why Use Turmeric in Organic Cultivation?

Various scientific studies have demonstrated that the main active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has potent antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a potentially valuable tool in organic agriculture. The use of turmeric in cannabis cultivation is being explored as a natural and ecological alternative to control pathogens affecting these plants.

Compared to conventional treatments, the benefits of using turmeric in organic cultivation include:

  • A natural and biodegradable product that does not generate toxic residues
  • Reducing chemical residues
  • Lowering the risk of exposure to harmful compounds
  • Promoting healthier soil
  • Conserving local biodiversity
  • Decreasing water and soil pollution

Additionally, pathogens are less likely to develop resistance to curcumin due to its multiple mechanisms of action, and it is an accessible and low-cost product compared to many synthetic chemicals.

Possible disadvantages of turmeric use include:

  • Curcumin concentration can vary depending on the source
  • Turmeric may require more frequent applications than some synthetic pesticides
  • At high concentrations, it can have phytotoxic effects on cannabis plants

However, these disadvantages can be easily managed by monitoring crops for signs of disease, adjusting turmeric applications as needed, and using optimal concentrations to maximise benefits and minimise phytotoxic effects. Moreover, turmeric can be combined with other biological and cultural practices to enhance overall effectiveness.

Tumeric for cultivation

How Does Turmeric Work?

Various studies have evaluated turmeric's effectiveness under controlled conditions. These studies generally show a significant reduction in microbial load and improved plant health when turmeric is used. The studies[5] even indicate antibacterial and antifungal properties exceeding 60%. Specifically, a turmeric extract solution reduced the incidence of grey mould by 70% and infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 60%.

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, primarily acts through several mechanisms, including:

  • Disruption of cell membranes: Altering the integrity of microbial cell membranes.
  • Inhibition of protein synthesis: Interfering with protein synthesis in microbial cells.
  • Blocking genetic material replication: Inhibiting DNA replication in bacteria and fungi, preventing their growth.

Turmeric has shown high efficacy against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including common pathogens that affect cannabis cultivation, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi such as Fusarium and Botrytis cinerea, among many others. As such, applying turmeric can help reduce the incidence of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and wilting caused by the Fusarium fungus. Interestingly, acting through multiple mechanisms of action reduces the likelihood of microorganisms developing resistance.

Besides its antimicrobial action, turmeric can also stimulate cannabis plant growth. In field trials, growers who implemented turmeric treatments reported several improvements in crop health, including:

  • Soil health improvement: Turmeric's bioactive compounds can enhance soil health, promoting nutrient absorption and beneficial microbial activity.
  • Strengthening natural defences: Turmeric can induce defence responses in plants, enhancing their resistance to future pathogen attacks.
  • Reduction in foliar diseases: Regular turmeric application resulted in a lower incidence of foliar diseases, reducing the need for synthetic fungicides.

Moreover, various studies[6] indicate that turmeric is emerging as a potent natural pesticide. This makes turmeric the perfect candidate for agricultural insect pest control, as it may even positively affect animals and humans consuming turmeric-treated foods.

Applications of Turmeric in Organic Agriculture

Turmeric contains several bioactive compounds, with curcumin being the most studied for its potent antibacterial properties.

Turmeric for cannabis benefits
  • Use of Turmeric as an Antibacterial

Besides curcumin, turmeric includes demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, both of which contribute to its antimicrobial activity. Turmeric has shown effectiveness against various pathogenic bacteria affecting crops, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens cause multiple diseases that can significantly reduce crop productivity.

In cannabis cultivation, turmeric can be especially beneficial for reducing the incidence of common bacterial diseases like bacterial wilt and leaf spot. Using turmeric as an antibacterial can improve overall plant health and the quality of the final product without the adverse effects of synthetic antibiotics.

  • Use of Turmeric as an Antifungal

Turmeric has proven effective[7] against several pathogenic fungi such as Geotrichum candidum, Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria tenuissima, Gibberella fujikuroi, Aspergillus sp., Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Botrytis cinerea. Curcumin and other turmeric compounds inhibit these fungi's growth and reproduction.

A study[8] shows that the natural components of turmeric (bisdemethoxycurcumin, calebin A, curcumin, and demethoxycurcumin) can bind to the active site of the cutinase enzyme of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium spp. This enzyme is crucial in helping the fungus penetrate plant root tissue. The results reveal turmeric's ability to alter the cutinase enzyme and its activity, interfering with the synthesis of fungal cell walls and causing cellular lysis and pathogen death.

Moreover, curcumin interferes with the synthesis of fungal cell walls, causing cellular lysis and pathogen death. By inhibiting cell wall formation, curcumin prevents fungal growth and reproduction. Another study[9] indicates that turmeric extracts can alter fungal cell membrane permeability, leading to the leakage of vital cellular components and, ultimately, fungal death. This mechanism ensures fungi cannot survive and proliferate in plants treated with turmeric.

In cannabis cultivation, turmeric can be used to control fungi such as Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) and Powdery mildew (a group of diseases caused by fungi infecting aerial parts of plants). As a result, turmeric stands as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic fungicides against these fungi.

  • Use of Turmeric as an Antimicrobial

Turmeric also contains various bioactive compounds, which possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. These compounds are effective against many pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

How to Use Turmeric in Organic Cannabis Cultivation

Turmeric could prove essential in fighting common plant-based pathogens and diseases. Below are the most accessible ways to add the herb to your grow op.

How to use turmeric in cannabis
  • Preparing Extracts

-Turmeric Powder Extract: The turmeric rhizome is dried and ground. This powder can be applied directly or dissolved in water to spray plants.


-Liquid Extract: This is obtained by macerating turmeric powder in hot water, then filtering and using the resulting liquid.

  • Application Methods

Application can be done weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the severity of the infection or as a preventive measure. However, the recommended concentration of turmeric in cannabis cultivation varies depending on the method of application.

Challenges and Considerations of Using Turmeric

Currently, more research is needed to better understand turmeric's mechanisms of action and its interaction with other treatments and cultivation practices. However, biopesticide companies are exploring the development of standardised commercial formulations of turmeric for pathogen control.

These formulations are designed to be easy to apply and effective against various pathogens without harming the environment or human health. Additionally, advancements in spraying and irrigation technologies could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of turmeric application in large-scale cultivation.

Turmeric: The Next Big Hit in Organic Cannabis Cultivation?

Turmeric offers a promising natural approach to pathogen control in cannabis cultivation due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, acting against a variety of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Beyond these properties, using turmeric in cannabis cultivation represents a step toward more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. By reducing dependence on chemical pesticides, growers can lessen environmental impact and promote healthier and safer agricultural practices.

As a result, turmeric's numerous properties, ecological profile, low cost, and easy accessibility make it a natural alternative to traditional chemical treatments. With ongoing research and the integration of new technologies, turmeric could play a significant role in the future of sustainable agriculture and high-quality cannabis cultivation.

External Resources:
  1. Molecular docking and In Vitro Study Revealed the Inhibition Mechanism of Cutinase https://www.researchgate.net
  2. Antifungal Activity of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome against Different Fungi https://www.researchgate.net
  3. A Review on Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Activity of Curcumin - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Turmeric shortens lifespan in houseflies | bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org
  5. Antifungal activity of recombinant thanatin in comparison with two plant extracts https://www.researchgate.net
  6. Antiviral Potential of Curcumins: Ethnopharmacology, Chemistry, and Clinical Studies Focusing on Mechanism of Action and Future Perspectives | SpringerLink https://link.springer.com
  7. Multitargeting by turmeric, the golden spice: From kitchen to clinic - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Plant extracts for the control of bacterial growth: efficacy, stability and safety issues for food application - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus oil in liquid and vapour phase against food https://www.sciencedirect.com
  10. Antifungal activity of essential oils and their potential use in food industry https://doi.org
  11. Chemistry, antioxidant and antimicrobial investigations on essential oil and oleoresins of Zingiber officinale - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. Chemistry and biological activities of C. longa https://www.sciencedirect.com
  13. Organic agriculture https://www.tandfonline.com
  14. Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Cookies settings

We are requesting your permission to use your data for the reasons stated below:

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data from a particular website that get stored on a user’s computer while they’re surfing the internet. Cookies have several different functions. Some of them track browser activity that enables businesses to deliver targeted advertisements. Other cookies serve to remember user login details to different websites to make jumping on social media, or other sites, a more fluid process. Because each cookie has its own unique ID, these pieces of data allow website owners to measure the unique traffic coming into their site.

Why do we use cookies?

Cookies come in handy when you visit our website. They ensure you stay logged in, that you can shop safely, and that the items you add to your cart stay there before you make a purchase. But cookies also help us. The data they provide allow us to improve our website and enable us to present you with targeted advertisements that are compatible with your interests.

What kind of cookies do we use?

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

How can I disable or delete cookies?

Not a fan of cookies? No worries. You can disable them (with the exception of necessary cookies) in your browser settings. However, blocking cookies may impact your browsing experience and prevent you from enjoying all of the technical features of our site.

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: