Grow Up LIVE (Vol.6):
Growing Cannabis in the Great Outdoors
Aired Thursday, April 15, 2021 @ 2pm EST
Growing great quality cannabis in the outdoors using the principles of regenerative agriculture are increasingly becoming the norm in Canada. From seed or transplant, it all starts with soil health and balanced plant nutrition, but as cannabis and hemp become common the cannabis plant will face increased pressure from emerging pests and pathogens. Join our panel of experts as they share some crop-saving tips on how to grow a healthy cannabis crop this season.
This session will cover:
- How cover crops can help reduce disease
- Role of microbes in reducing “transplant” shock
- What are the new pests and diseases and what to look for
- Tips on how to scout large scale cannabis gardens
- What are the best tools for your IPM toolbox
Rico Thorsen
Certified Arborist
Rico Thorsen is an ISA Certified Arborist with a European Horticulture Degree from his home country of Denmark. With 30 years of experience in both Europe and North America, Rico now operates a Horticultural Consultation business based in the Okanagan. As the pioneer of RT Horticulture Ltd., Rico has been determined to support growers across North America in converting to regenerative practices.
Rico is renowned for his creative problem-solving capacity, leading to the development of the first successfully converted BC-based Regenerative Tree Nursery. With a strong connection to some of the Industry’s leading experts and researchers, Rico has been granted $500 000 worth of Government Research awards in the past 6 years.
Rico’s innovation and cutting-edge holistic growing methods have also recently landed him a project in Ethiopia through Global Affairs Canada.
Anoo Solomon
Owner, CannaProtect IPM Solutions Integrated Pest Management, Scientist and Educator in the Canadian Cannabis Industry
Anoo Solomon is the owner of CannaProtect IPM Solutions which offers consulting services across North America for cannabis companies.
She works with design and construction teams at the drafting phase of new and existing facilities to ensure all contamination risk factors and deficiencies are addressed to minimize crop loss. Anoo is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Cannabis. Dedicated Scientist and Educator providing full spectrum application and consulting to ensure the healthiest and cleanest crops. She educates staff on the fundamentals of pathology and entomology to create universal awareness while working with the plants. Anoo is well-versed in plant propagation, grafting, soil health and nutrition, plant production under field, greenhouse, garden and container conditions, food and agriculture legislation and regulations, Quality Assurance and Compliance, GMP, GPP and proper sanitation practices to mitigate contamination and HACCP planning.
She has extensive experience within the Canadian Cannabis Industry and comprehension of the Canadian Cannabis Act (formerly ACMPR)/Cannabis Regulations. She has worked for one of the largest global cannabis Licensed Producers on a multi-site scale as well as multiple start up facilities.
In a laboratory setting, Anoo has implemented microbial testing for pathogens within the plant genetics. She has performed trials on use of approved chemicals and their effects on cannabis under various environmental conditions.
Anoo has taught IPM, Plant Pathology and Entomology for the Commercial Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.
Claude Robert
Sales Representative & Cannabis IPM Specialist, Anatis Bioprotection
Cannabis enthusiast since 1987. Collecting genetics and knowledge since the beginning of this passion. Working in greenhouse research since 2004. Teacher and speaker for small fruit production in Quebec. Worked many years on the pest and pathogens alert team ( RAP ) for the minister of agriculture of Quebec ( MAPAQ ) Now taking care of the cannabis sector at Anatis Bioprotection. Protecting crops for ACMPR growers, home growers , micro-producers and licensed producers across Canada. Doing a lot of research and development and helping growers with their Integrated Pest Management IPM programs.
Zamir K. Punja
Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Zamir completed MSc and PhD degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Davis. He joined Campbell Soup Company and was Manager of plant biotechnology until 1989, when he left to join Simon Fraser University. Zamir’s research investigates the causes and management of plant diseases on vegetable and horticultural crops, and include the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. His group is currently developing methods for identifying and managing new and emerging diseases of cannabis.
Av Singh, PhD, PAg
Agronomist, Greenstar
Av Singh is one of the leading authorities on regenerative organic cannabis production. Dr. Singh has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers, chapters, and extension articles and has been an invited speaker to over 500 workshops, conferences, symposia as well as guest-lecturing at over 30 universities in Canada, the US, the UK, and India. Av has had the privilege of visiting over 2000 farms across five continents which has shaped his extension of holistic, system-based design solutions. Emphasizing a union of traditional knowledge with science, Av works with growers to cultivate an appreciation of plant:soil interrelationships.
Av has recently been appointed to the Cannabis Quality Assurance (CQA) Standards Committee and is a member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society, and was identified as one of the Top 50 Heroes shaping the Canadian Cannabis sector by High! Canada Magazine and a Cannabis Hero by Cannabis Amnesty. Av is a frequent speaker and advisory board member at O’Cannabiz and the Grow Up Conferences.
