In addition to testing cuttings, cannabis seeds may also be tested for Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd). See below for our expert recommendations based on our latest research and best practices.
Seed Transmission of HLVd
Seed transmission of HLVd is documented but highly variable, with reported rates ranging from as low as 58% to over 80%. This wide variability makes accurate risk assessment challenging when relying solely on seed testing.
Limitations of Direct Seed Testing
Due to this uncertainty, direct testing of seeds for HLVd can only serve as a general indicator of potential infection. It should not be considered definitive unless a large, statistically significant number of seeds from the lot have been tested.
Recommendations & Best Practices
To increase confidence in the disease status of a seed lot, we recommend the following:
- Test the Parent Plants
Whenever possible, test the female (seed parent) and male (pollen donor) plants. This provides the clearest picture of whether HLVd may be present in the resulting seeds. - Quarantine and Post-Germination Testing
If the parent plants are unavailable for testing, we recommend quarantining germinated seedlings and testing them twice post-germination—first at 6 to 8 weeks, and again at 12 to 14 weeks. This two-step testing process improves the likelihood of detecting HLVd, as viroid levels may increase over time and vary across tissues. These steps will help you better manage the risk of HLVd introduction and maintain the health and integrity of your genetic stock.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange testing, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist you with any inquiries regarding our seed testing services. Send us an email at info@3riversbiotech.com or give us a call at 360-232-4140.
