Plant Hormones and Their Impact on Cannabis Growth and Development

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.

Auxins: Orchestrating Growth Patterns

Auxins are fundamental plant hormones that govern growth patterns, apical dominance, and phototropism. Derived from tryptophan, they play a crucial role in shaping the plant's architecture.

Examples of Auxins' Impact:

• Phototropism: Auxins facilitate phototropism, the plant's ability to grow towards a light source, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure for photosynthesis.

• Apical Dominance: Auxins inhibit lateral bud growth, favoring the development of the central bud and supporting upward growth.

• Root Development: In lower concentrations, auxins stimulate root growth, aiding nutrient and water absorption.

Gibberellins: Stretching Toward Growth

Gibberellins promote stem elongation, cell division, and flowering, influencing plant structure and development.

Examples of Gibberellins' Impact:

• Stem Elongation: Gibberellins stimulate stem cells to elongate, resulting in taller plants with extended internodes.

• Flowering: Essential for triggering the transition from vegetative to reproductive phases, crucial for flower and seed development.

• Breaking Seed Dormancy: Gibberellins play a key role in breaking seed dormancy, ensuring germination under favorable conditions.

Cytokinin's: Orchestrating Cell Division

Cytokinin's are vital for cell division, delaying senescence, and regulating apical dominance, crucial for plant growth and vitality.

Examples of Cytokinin's' Impact:

• Cell Division: Cytokinin's promote active cell division, fostering growth in leaves, stems, and roots.

• Delaying Senescence: By inhibiting aging processes, cytokinin's maintain productive plant tissues for extended periods.

• Apical Dominance Regulation: Alongside auxins, cytokinin's help regulate apical dominance, influencing plant shape and structure.

Identifying Plant Characteristics Based on Hormone Levels

Auxins

• Growth Patterns:

  • High Auxins: Strong apical dominance, vertical growth.
  • Low Auxins: More lateral growth, less dominant central stem.

• Leaf Size and Shape:

  • High Auxins: Larger leaves, vigorous growth.
  • Low Auxins: Smaller leaves, potential stress indicators.

• Flower Initiation:

  • High Auxins: Smooth transition to flowering.
  • Low Auxins: Delayed or asynchronous flowering.

Gibberellins

• Stem Elongation:

  • High Gibberellins: Tall plants with elongated internodes.
  • Low Gibberellins: Compact plants with shorter internodes.

• Leaf Size and Shape:

  • High Gibberellins: Larger leaves, distinct node separation.
  • Low Gibberellins: Smaller leaves, less distinct nodes.

• Flower Initiation:

  • High Gibberellins: Early and elongated flowering.
  • Low Gibberellins: Delayed or compact flowering structure.

Cytokinins

• Cell Division:

  • High Cytokinin's: Robust growth in leaves, stems, and roots.
  • Low Cytokinin's: Slower growth, fewer cell divisions.

• Leaf Health and Growth Rate:

  • High Cytokinin's: Healthy foliage, balanced growth.
  • Low Cytokinin's: Stressed plants, slower growth rate.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinin's in cannabis growth provides valuable insights into optimizing cultivation practices. By balancing these hormones, growers can enhance plant vigor, maximize biomass production, and influence cannabinoid and terpene synthesis. This knowledge empowers growers to tailor cultivation strategies to achieve desired plant characteristics and optimize yield.