Current Research

1.  A study on the molecular mechanisms and transcriptional responses of Phorodon cannabis (Cannabis aphid) and Cannabis sativa L. interactions. Our objective is to determine whether CBD could be a potential botanical pesticide for insect pest control.

 2.  A study of microbiota on the hemp rhizosphere. We want to know how different hemp cultivars, soil nutrition, and pH condition affects microbial diversity and abundance. We also want to know how fungicides influence rhizosphere microbial composition and enzymes of Cannabis sativa L.  

3.  An analysis of the chemical compositions of different hemp cultivars grown for fiber/seeds and CBD hemp cultivars at different growing stages,  extracting protocols, and understanding which chemical compositions affect the insect population.     

4.   An exploratory insect survey on Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). This is our ongoing annual summer research where we collect and sample insects from CBD/Fiber Hemp plants grown in fields, greenhouses, or high tunnels in Alabama. This survey continually allows us to add and strengthen our database of pests and diseases that affect hemp plants and management ways and tips to help Alabama hemp growers.