Growing Science

Growing Science

Managing Cannabis Pests and Pathogens
Even though cannabis grown indoors is protected from Mother Nature, it remains vulnerable to pests and pathogens. Growing dense stands of plants in a humid, enclosed environment can lead to infestations and infections. But growers can reduce the risk of outbreaks by implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—an effective, environmentally sensitive way to manage pests and pathogens that seeks to prevent infestations and infections from occurring in the first place and uses multiple control methods to address issues if they arise.[1] Determine tolerable levels IPM is …
Growing Science

Terpenes and Their Benefits
Cannabis strains have a range of fragrance and flavors, from musky and earthy to floral and sweet to citrusy or spicy. Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds responsible for these unique aromas. While terpenes are found throughout the entire cannabis plant, they are primarily concentrated in the trichomes—fine, hairlike growths that cover the plant’s foliage and flowers. In addition to their effect on the senses, terpenes offer therapeutic benefits, deter pests, attract pollinators and may even synergize with cannabinoids in producing psychoactive …
Advanced Tips

How Light Affects Cannabinoid Production
Light is the primary energy source for plants. Not only is it necessary for photosynthesis, but certain wavelengths impact the accumulation of secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. This blog post unpacks the impact of the light spectrum on cannabis and how different wavelengths influence yield, cannabinoid production and plant morphology. Light spectrum and intensity The light spectrum is determined by wavelengths. For instance, ultraviolet light encompasses a part of the spectrum whose wavelength is 10–400 nanometers (nm). The sun emits light with …
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How Amino Acids Promote Plant Growth
Proteins are known as “the building blocks of life”—and amino acids the building blocks of proteins. Plants synthesize their own aminos naturally, but if crops are stressed, they may not have sufficient energy to manufacture these crucial compounds.[1] In this blog post, we’ll unpack what amino acids are, why they’re important for plant development, and why it’s a good idea to feed cannabis with a fertilizer that contains them. What are amino acids? Amino acids are chemical compounds that include an amine …
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Sources of Soluble Silicon
Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth. However, most forms of silicon[1] found in nature are unavailable for uptake by plants. To reap the benefits of silicon, growers must use a fertilizer that contains a highly soluble source of silicon. That’s easier said than done. While there is no shortage of silicon in the world, not all silicon compounds are equal. Some may not be very soluble or even high in silicon. Others may have significant downsides, such as …
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How Silicon Promotes Plant Growth
Although silicon is not considered an essential nutrient—plants can grow without it—it significantly boosts plant strength and stress resistance. For cannabis, silicon contributes to development of the terpenes and phenolic compounds that growers prize. Here's why supplementing your feeding program with silicon might be beneficial. Benefits of silicon Silicon improves plant health and growth in several important ways. Physically, this beneficial nutrient help plants form a strong layer of hydrated amorphous silica, or opal, in their cell walls. This silica layer acts as …
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How Suboptimal Fertilization Affects Yield
Fertilizer is a crucial component of crop production, but simply adding fertilizer to the system is no guarantee a crop will get the nutrients it needs. Inadequate nutrient availability, nutrient incompatibility, and subpar nutrient formulations can result in under-fertilized plants, also known as suboptimal fertilization. Without the right nutrients in the right concentrations and ratios, plants cannot achieve optimal yields or maximize crop quality. For cannabis, suboptimal fertilization can also impact cannabinoid profiles and concentrations. Consequences of suboptimal fertilization In one study, researchers …
Grower Spotlight

Enzyme-Based Biofilm Cleaners
Biofilms are a common problem in cannabis grow operations. These slimy layers of microbial colonies can clog the irrigation system, spread plant diseases and reduce oxygen levels in the nutrient solution. One way to eliminate biofilms is with enzyme-based cleaners. Enzymes are biological catalysts, or biocatalysts, that trigger and accelerate chemical reactions in living things. They offer a practical, non-harmful approach to degrading and removing biofilm. How enzymes degrade biofilms Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific chemical reactions. They are involved in all …
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Cannabis Life Cycle
In the wild, cannabis goes through three phases during its life cycle: (1) seeds germinate and seedlings sprout from seed; (2) the young plants grow vegetatively, marked by the proliferation of roots, stems and leaves; and (3) the plants mature, budding and flowering or ripening, until they reach sexual maturity, when they drop seed.[1] Understanding the crop life cycle is important for commercial cannabis production. Unless a grower grows an auto-flowering variety, light is the main driver of the “flip” between …
https://www.ekobiogen.eu/the-role-of-silicon-in-plant-growth/Advanced Tips

Silicon: The Truth
Silicon is the second-most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, and it bonds with oxygen to create silicon dioxide, also known as silica, the main component of sand, clay, granite, amethyst, quartz, glass, computer chips, and fiber-optic cables. Silica is also the form of silicon, when it finally comes to rest in plant tissues such as stalks, stems and leaves, that delivers plant benefits. But first silicon must take a long road, going through many chemical conversions—from silicate to silicic acid …
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A Little Goes a Long Way
Hydroponic nutrients need to be applied in the right concentrations at the right times in the crop life cycle. They also need to be formulated in the right ratios, so that the various essential nutrients complement and balance one another rather than work against each other. Plants need at least a minimum amount of every nutrient essential to plant life. Even if a plant gets more than enough of every essential nutrient except one, it might not thrive. If even one …
Growing Science

Plants can’t tell the difference: Understanding the pros and cons of organic and inorganic hydroponic fertilizers
Download pdf Inorganic fertilizers have a bad rep. Often called “synthetic,” “chemical” and “artificial,” many believe inorganic fertilizers are full of dangerous ingredients that are harmful to humans and the environment. This perception has driven many growers to choose organic fertilizers instead. Many view organic fertilizers as safer, cleaner and better for the environment. Some may believe that if the fertilizer is organic, they can label their plants organic too.  But the truth isn’t so black and white. There’s no evidence that plants grown with …
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