HLVd detection, transmission pathways, persistence, sanitation experiments, propagation risk, and clean-stock management.
Systemic pathogens
Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd)
Hop latent viroid is an infectious RNA agent documented in cannabis. Symptoms can include reduced vigor and yield, but plants may also be asymptomatic; visual inspection cannot confirm infection.
What to look for
- Unexplained loss of vigor or reduced performance in some infected plants
- Inconsistent expression, including plants with few obvious visual symptoms
- Patterns associated with shared propagation material or contaminated cutting practices
Important look-alikes
- Root stress
- Nutritional problems
- Genetic variation
- Environmental stress
- Other systemic pathogens
How to confirm
- Use validated laboratory testing such as appropriate nucleic-acid amplification assays
- Test source plants and propagation stock rather than relying on symptoms
- Investigate sanitation and propagation links among positives
Management principles
- Isolate confirmed positives
- Use clean tested stock for propagation
- Follow validated sanitation procedures for cutting tools and propagation workflows
Prevention
- Establish testing protocols for mother stock
- Control movement of plant material
- Sanitize tools between plants using validated methods
- Maintain traceable propagation records
Visual study guide
- Transmission pathway diagram
- Testing workflow
- Symptomatic versus asymptomatic concept panel
- Clean-stock propagation map
Evidence & further reading
Sources connected to this lesson
These references support specific biological, diagnostic, environmental, or process concepts used in this lesson. They are not a substitute for crop-specific testing or local regulatory guidance.HLVd biology, cannabis disease context, symptoms, testing, crop-quality effects, and management considerations.
Cannabis greenhouse disease diagnosis and integrated management, including powdery mildew, Botrytis, root disease, HLVd, sanitation, irrigation, airflow, and post-harvest microbial risk.