Inside the Cannabis Microbiome with Zamir Punja, PhD

Zamir Punja, PhD is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University in Canada. His research interests include the etiology and management of plant diseases on vegetable and horticultural crops, and the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. Since 2018, his work has shifted to researching cannabis, where his group has described a range of previously unreported pathogens affecting the crop and has evaluated various methods for disease management. At CannMed 25, Zamir will present his team’s latest work investigating the microbiome of cannabis and hemp plants. Using Next-Generation Sequencing and microscopy, his team identified diverse fungi, yeasts, and bacteria across plant tissues. Their study reveals that cannabis plants host abundant microbial endophytes, which can impact plant health and product quality. Findings also highlight the influence of growing substrates and biocontrol agents on the cannabis microbiome. During our conversation, we discuss: What is the microbiome and how do microbial endophytes affect plant health Identification of common microbes found in cannabis samples, including Penicillium and Fusarium Whether meristem tissue culture is a viable microbial sterilization method The influence of sterilized vs. non-sterilized growing media How growers can use microbiome analysis for early interventions Insights into beneficial fungi like Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae Future research questions on microbial balance and seed microbiome engineering And More Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: GrowDefender GrowDefender provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection for indoor cultivation and processing spaces. Using patented Goldshield® technology, their EPA-registered, water-based products protect surfaces from mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi for up to 90 days. Safe, non-toxic, and easy to apply, GrowDefender helps growers reduce contamination, protect crops, and maintain cleaner, healthier environments. Learn more at growdefender.com Additional Resources Endophytes in Cannabis sativa: Identifying and Characterizing Microbes with Beneficial and Detrimental Effects on Plant Health - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030312/ Exploring the fascinating development of cannabinoid-producing trichomes - https://youtu.be/Avhr8XjsBTU?si=nbYpjuoMMnKVqF6X Register for CannMed 25 - https://cvent.me/emBPno Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters - https://cannmedevents.com/speakers/ - Review the Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cannmed-coffee-talk/id1504218804 CannMed Archive - https://cannmedevents.com/cannmed-video-archives/