Comparing Seeded and Seedless Cannabis Buds: Hormonal Profiles and Trichome Composition

"It's important to note that the information provided in this section is based on the author's conjecture, drawn from their research and understanding of cannabis evolution."

Abstract: This paper delves into the intriguing variations in the chemical composition of trichomes, distinguishing between sinsemilla (seedless) and seeded cannabis plants. These differences arise from distinct growth and reproductive processes. The following sections outline potential disparities in compound levels within trichomes.

Seeded Buds:

• Auxins: Medium
• Gibberellins: High
• Cytokinins: Low

Lightly Seeded Buds:

Auxins: Low/Medium Gibberellins: Medium Cytokinins: Medium

Sinsemilla Buds:

• Auxins: Low
• Gibberellins: Low
• Cytokinins: High

Promoting Vigor and Vitality: The Benefits of Lightly Seeded Buds

Lightly seeded buds contribute to a healthier and happier plant due to their balanced hormone profile. With a moderate presence of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, these plants strike an equilibrium between growth and reproductive processes. This balance promotes robust vegetative growth, resulting in sturdy stems, lush foliage, and well-developed branches. The moderate levels of gibberellins also stimulate flowering without causing excessive stem elongation. Additionally, the presence of seeds, albeit in smaller quantities, ensures genetic diversity, which can enhance the plant's resilience to environmental stressors and diseases. This combination of factors culminates in a plant that is not only vigorous but also better equipped to thrive in a variety of conditions.

THC Content: Sinsemilla trichomes often have higher THC content because they direct more energy towards trichome production when they are not producing seeds. This can result in higher levels of THC in the trichomes.

CBD Content: Seeded trichomes may have higher levels of CBD compared to sinsemilla plants. This is because when a cannabis plant is pollinated, it directs more of its energy and resources towards seed development. This shift in resource allocation leads to an increase in the production of CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As a result, seeded plants tend to contain higher quantities of CBD.

Terpene Profile: Decrease in Cytokinins and its Impact on Monoterpenes: Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that play a crucial role in cell division, growth, and development. They are involved in various physiological processes within a plant, including the formation of secondary metabolites like terpenes.

Monoterpenes are a type of terpene compound found in plants, including cannabis. They contribute to the aroma and flavor profiles of the plant.

In the biochemical pathway of terpene synthesis, some monoterpenes can have cytokinins as precursors. This means that cytokinins are involved in the production of monoterpenes.

Seeded Trichomes and Cytokinins: When a cannabis plant produces seeds, it allocates resources towards seed development. This allocation can result in a decrease in the availability of certain plant hormones, including cytokinins.

Impact on Monoterpene Production: If there is a decrease in cytokinins, it can potentially lead to a reduction in the production of specific monoterpenes that rely on cytokinins as precursors.

This means that in seeded trichomes, where there is a decrease in cytokinins, there may be a corresponding decrease in the production of monoterpenes that are directly influenced by cytokinins.

In summary, the decrease in cytokinins in seeded trichomes could lead to a reduction in the production of certain monoterpenes that have cytokinins as precursors. This illustrates how changes in hormonal balance within the plant can influence the composition of secondary metabolites, including terpenes. Keep in mind that specific biochemical pathways and interactions can vary based on genetic factors and environmental conditions.

Competition for Precursors: While both sesquiterpenes and auxins like IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) can be derived from tryptophan, plants have complex regulatory mechanisms that can allocate resources differently based on their needs. In a sinsemilla plant (which produces seedless buds), resources that would otherwise go into seed development are available for other processes, including the production of secondary metabolites like sesquiterpenes.

Sesquiterpenes in Trichomes: Sesquiterpenes, along with other terpenes, are commonly found in the glandular trichomes of cannabis. These trichomes are specialized structures on the surface of the plant that produce and store various secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids and terpenes. The production of terpenes in trichomes is distinct from the processes related to hormone synthesis and regulation.

Role of Tryptophan: Tryptophan is a precursor for both IAA (an auxin) and some sesquiterpenes. However, the pathways leading to the production of these compounds are separate, and the availability of tryptophan can be regulated independently for each pathway.

Selective Synthesis: Within a plant, biochemical pathways are tightly regulated. When a plant is producing a certain type of metabolite, it doesn't necessarily mean that other pathways, even those that share a precursor, will be suppressed. The plant can adjust its biochemical processes to meet its various needs.

Given these points, it's reasonable to expect that sinsemilla trichomes, having more available resources and not allocating them to seed development, might have a higher likelihood of producing sesquiterpenes, including those derived from tryptophan.

Other Cannabinoids: Besides THC and CBD, there are many other cannabinoids found in cannabis, like CBG, CBN, and THCV. The levels of these cannabinoids can vary based on genetics, growing conditions, and whether the plant is seeded or seedless.

Seeded buds tend to have relatively higher levels of gibberellins compared to unseeded buds (sinsemilla). Gibberellins are a class of plant hormones that play a crucial role in various aspects of plant growth and development, including stem elongation, flowering, and seed germination.

In that case, if seeded buds tend to have relatively higher levels of gibberellins compared to unseeded buds (sinsemilla), it suggests that the presence of seeds may trigger an increase in gibberellin production.

Gibberellins are known for their role in stimulating stem elongation, flowering, and fruit development. In the context of cannabis, higher levels of gibberellins in seeded buds may lead to:

1. Increased Stem Elongation: This can result in taller plants and potentially longer branches, which could influence the overall structure and size of the plant.

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3. Promotion of Flowering: Gibberellins can influence the transition from vegetative growth to flowering. Higher levels may lead to a more robust flowering phase.

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5. Potential Impact on Seed Development: Gibberellins can also play a role in seed germination. In seeded buds, elevated gibberellin levels may contribute to the development of seeds.

Seeded buds, which have higher levels of gibberellins, may lead to an increase in the density of glandular trichomes compared to sinsemilla (seedless) buds. This is because gibberellins play a role in stimulating stem elongation and cell division, which can result in more trichomes being produced on the surface of the plant. More trichomes mean a potentially higher oil production capacity, as these structures are specialized for producing and storing various compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes.

A study found that myrcene, a terpene commonly found in cannabis, is often associated with increased gibberellin levels. Myrcene is known for its earthy and musky aroma, and it's believed to have relaxing and sedative effects. The presence of myrcene in seeded buds may be linked to the higher gibberellin levels observed in these plants.

It's important to note that these effects may vary depending on the specific genetic traits of the cannabis strain and the environmental conditions in which it's grown. Additionally, while gibberellins can influence certain aspects of plant development, they are just one of many factors at play in the overall growth and development of cannabis plants.

When a cannabis plant produces seeds, it increases the production of gibberellins to promote the elongation of the stems that support the seeds. This is an adaptive response that helps the plant ensure that the seeds are adequately spaced for dispersal.

In contrast, unseeded buds (sinsemilla) do not undergo this increase in gibberellin production because they are not producing seeds. Instead, the plant directs its resources and energy towards floral development and resin production.

In general, seeded buds have relatively higher levels of gibberellins compared to unseeded buds. This is a part of the plant's natural response to seed production.

A group of researchers found that there are two main types of trichomes in Cannabis plants: drug-type and fiber-type. These two types have distinct characteristics.

Types of Trichomes:

Drug-type and fiber-type trichomes are found in Cannabis plants, each with distinct characteristics.

Drug-Type Trichomes:

• Location: Primarily in the flowers.
• Composition: Rich in THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a precursor to THC, the psychoactive component.

Fiber-Type Trichomes:

• Location: More abundantly found throughout the plant, especially in areas like leaves and stems.
• Composition: Rich in CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), a precursor to CBD, and myrcene.