Protecting Grows from Pests and Pathogens with Kyle R.L. Baker

Kyle R.L. Baker is the CSO and Co-Founder of EcoBuds and CleanTheory. He founded the companies based upon a deep understanding and experience in socio-technical design and econometric modeling and their application to disease mitigation.  As a cannabis entrepreneur, Kyle focuses his attention on scientific verification methods and weighted decision-making to ensure the end-to-end delivery of clean and compliant cannabis to consumers, most notably medical patients. 



Clean cannabis is one of the biggest challenges facing growers. Microbes, viruses, and pests can devastate cannabis and hemp crops, greatly reducing product quality and yield. Growers must also meet state-mandated testing requirements for microbial contamination before the product can be sold in a dispensary.  



During our conversation we discuss: 



The different types of pests and pathogens and how they affect growers’ yield and product qualityWhy many disease and pest management solutions used in food do not apply to cannabisHow overly onerous testing requirements can force growers to irradiate productThe risks and downsides of irradiation and remediationCommon sources of contamination in cannabis growsSteps growers can take to prevent pest and disease in their facilities



Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Medicinal Genomics



Medicinal Genomics uses its unmatched knowledge into the cannabis genome and the microbes that impact cannabis plants to create a diverse set of testing solutions that improve crop yield, accelerate breeding, and ensure product safety.



MGC’s PathoSEEK® qPCR Detection Assays are trusted by the top cannabis testing labs for microbial compliance testing and growers also trust PathoSEEK to screen crops for harmful pathogens.



Learn more at medicinalgenomics.com



Additional Resources



CLEANTheory websiteEPA Website Cannabis Microbial Testing Regulations by StateSubmit an Abstract for CannMed 23Review the Podcast!CannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study