Cultivation

See the program overview for the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Fall in Providence, Rhode Island September 20-22nd.

Growing cannabis, both indoors or outdoors, impacts the environment in several significant ways and one challenge of today’s cultivators is to consider how to lessen the negative effects of overwatering, pesticides, energy usage, and plastic pollution.

The cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid rate. Growers are all looking for ways to produce the most profitable crops in an industry that lacks standardization and guidelines. One tool that has been beneficial in cannabis cultivation is vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which has been found to be very important for how nutrients are transported throughout the plant. Here, Hannia Mendoza-Dickey, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Robert Manes, Curtis Mathes Corporation; and Zacariah L. Hildenbrand, University of Texas at El Paso, Curtis Mathes Corporation, discuss the significance of VPD, why the cannabis industry is moving forward with this process, and a preview of their upcoming article titled “Intensity and Spectrum: The Role of Lighting in Vapor Pressure Deficit.”

Cannabis Science Conference Spring was held in Portland, Oregon from April 19-21, 2023. Here we provide a few highlights from the event.

Webinar Date/Time: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

Cal Poly Humboldt plans a two-year community-based study on the plant genetics and history from legacy cannabis communities in the state.

This article provides insights into the opportunities involving the genetic modification of cannabis.

One important element of creating the ideal growing environment for cannabis is often overlooked: air quality. Here, we look at why this is important as well as best practices for mitigating poor air quality.

Hop latent viroid and black root rot are affecting the growth of cannabis plants across the United States as well as other countries.

How much does hemp live up to its advertised potential as a versatile, sustainable crop and what is blocking its path to realizing its full abilities?

This column expresses how cannabis facilities that invest in RCx projects can enhance equipment reliability and worker safety, improve conditions for plant growth and development, increase canopy yields, and reduce maintenance costs.

The field of cannabis horticulture is ever-evolving and offers many opportunities for innovation and experimentation. In this interview, Jessica Lubell-Brand, PhD, professor of horticulture at the University of Connecticut with the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture provides insights into the findings of her laboratory’s recent studies of the “retipping” method of propagating cannabis. She also shares details on her current research with cannabis breeding techniques and how studies like these can benefit the future of cannabis growing.

Don't miss this Noid Factoid from Dr. Reggie Gaudino, VP of R&D at Front Range Biosciences.

A look at what epigenetics means, how other plant industries have used or studied them, and how that can be applied to cannabis to improve yields, plant genetics, and solve plant illness.

Webinar Date/Time: Tue, Feb 28, 2023 11:00 AM EST

A recent study from the University of Connecticut showed that the new “retipping” method of propagation resulted in quality cannabis flowers while using less space.

Here the authors present findings from their study involving six different nutrient treatments applied during the cloning cycle for approximately 500 plants. This paper focuses on the observed benefits in this study involving the use of an amino acid and salt solution using food-grade precursors.

Casey Houweling, the inventor of the semi-closed greenhouse, explains how this greenhouse concept came about, the challenges he’s had developing it, and the potential it holds for the future of the cannabis industry.

Here, we take a look at the top issues related to cannabis cultivation: what top environmental problems still face the cannabis industry, how to reduce emissions in grow facilities, the different effects of various strains on carbon emissions, and how the government is finally helping the industry do a deeper dive into understanding these issues.

Experts within the global cannabis and hemp industries discuss the importance of testing and regulations and sustainable measures that can reduce the sector’s environmental impact.

Learn how having a firm understanding of how you plan to use your facility, what power options are available, and strong partners can guide you to the best solution which is critical to your bottom line.

When it comes to cannabis cultivation, growers have their own methods on how to get the best products from their plants. Through using different soils, irrigation practices, lighting, and other approaches, each item plays an important role in how the plant matures. In this interview, David Cohen, CEO of Fluence, discusses the rise in LED lighting methods and how it can be the best tool for the industry.

How can we address the pest problems created in commercial cannabis cultivation facilities when environmental control systems are improperly designed or implemented?

The choice of growing media can contribute to precision, consistency, and repeatability from plant to plant and harvest to harvest. Here, we consider five factors that should be evaluated to help make the best choice of growing media.

Learn about the diverse kinds of support cannabis growers can get from utilities and efficiency programs for efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and controls approaches.

This article outlines why multiple testing modes are important, what to look for in third party test providers, and how a cultivator can evaluate these potential providers both at the outset and in an ongoing manner for accuracy and reliability.

In this piece, we touch on the benefits and challenges associated with autoflowering genetics, and provide justification for why these unique varietals may be the catalyst for making cannabis medicine more accessible and approachable for the general population.

Here, we explain how plant-growth parameters interact with carbon dioxide content in grow room air and how cultivators can best apply this knowledge to their commercial cannabis production facilities or research programs.

Learn how to bring efficiency concepts together to create circular cannabis systems.

A look at what effects water and air movement in plants.