Hormonal Regulation in Cannabis Cultivation: A Comprehensive Guide

"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."

Identifying Plant Characteristics Based on Hormone Levels

Cytokinins

• Growth Patterns:

• High Cytokinins: Plants with higher levels of cytokinins may exhibit vigorous and balanced growth, with healthy leaves, branches, and overall structure.
• Low Cytokinins: Lower levels of cytokinins might lead to slower or more stunted growth, especially in terms of lateral branching.

• Leaf Size and Shape:

• High Cytokinins: Leaves may be larger and exhibit more vigorous growth with fewer signs of stress.
• Low Cytokinins: Leaves may be smaller, and there might be signs of stress such as yellowing or curling.

• Flower Initiation:

• High Cytokinins: Plants with ample cytokinins are more likely to transition smoothly into the flowering phase with a balanced ratio of vegetative and reproductive growth.
• Low Cytokinins: Lower cytokinins might lead to delayed or less synchronized flowering.

• Bud Formation:

• High Cytokinins: A balanced cytokinin level can contribute to the development of healthy, well-formed buds.
• Low Cytokinins: Insufficient cytokinins might lead to smaller or less developed buds.

• Trichome Production:

• High Cytokinins: Proper cytokinin levels may lead to an abundance of trichomes, which contain many of the oils and terpenes.
• Low Cytokinins: Inadequate cytokinins could potentially lead to reduced trichome production.

• Overall Plant Health:

• High Cytokinins: Healthy, vibrant foliage and a balanced appearance may indicate sufficient cytokinin levels.
• Low Cytokinins: Stressed or struggling plants might suggest that cytokinins are not at an optimal level.

Gibberellins

• Stem Elongation:

• High Gibberellins: Plants with elevated levels of gibberellins tend to have longer internodal spacing and overall taller growth.
• Low Gibberellins: Reduced gibberellin levels lead to a more compact plant structure with shorter internodes.

• Leaf Size and Shape:

• High Gibberellins: Leaves may be larger, and there may be a more pronounced separation between nodes.
• Low Gibberellins: Smaller leaves with less distinct node separation may indicate lower gibberellin levels.

• Flower Initiation:

• High Gibberellins: Plants with ample gibberellins are more likely to transition into the flowering phase with elongated stems and branches.
• Low Gibberellins: Reduced gibberellin levels might lead to a more compact flowering structure.

• Overall Plant Height:

• High Gibberellins: Plants with higher levels of gibberellins tend to be taller with more stretched-out growth.
• Low Gibberellins: Reduced gibberellin levels may result in shorter, more compact plants.

Auxins

• Apical Dominance:

• High Auxins: Plants with higher levels of auxins tend to exhibit stronger apical dominance, resulting in longer internodal spacing and a dominant central stem.
• Low Auxins: Reduced auxin levels may lead to weaker apical dominance, allowing for more lateral growth and branching.

• Leaf Position and Growth:

• High Auxins: Leaves may be positioned more closely along the stem, with strong vertical growth.
• Low Auxins: Leaves may be spaced farther apart along the stem, with potentially more lateral growth.

• Root Development:

• High Auxins: Elevated levels of auxins can promote root development, leading to a robust root system.
• Low Auxins: Reduced auxin levels may result in slower or less extensive root growth.

• Overall Plant Structure:

• High Auxins: Plants with ample auxin levels may exhibit a more vertically oriented growth pattern with a dominant main stem.
• Low Auxins: Reduced auxin levels could lead to a more bushy or spreading growth pattern.

• Flower Initiation:

• High Auxins: Adequate auxin levels are important for transitioning from vegetative growth to flowering, ensuring a balanced reproductive phase.
• Low Auxins: Insufficient auxin levels may lead to delayed or less synchronized flowering.

• Leaf Health and Growth Rate:

• High Auxins: Leaves may be larger and exhibit more vigorous growth with fewer signs of stress.
• Low Auxins: Leaves may be smaller, and there might be signs of stress such as yellowing or curling.

Optimum Hormone Levels for Biomass Production

Achieving maximum biomass in cannabis cultivation requires a delicate balance of key plant hormones.

1. Cytokinins:

• Moderate Levels: Maintaining a moderate level of cytokinins promotes balanced growth, resulting in robust foliage and sturdy branches conducive to biomass production.

2. Gibberellins:

• Moderate Levels: Keeping gibberellin levels in moderation allows for controlled stem elongation, contributing to a healthy, well-structured plant ideal for biomass accumulation.

3. Auxins:

• Moderate Levels: Adequate auxin levels encourage a balanced development of roots, stems, and leaves, supporting overall plant vigor and biomass production.

Optimum Hormone Levels for Oil Production

For higher oil production, a different hormonal balance is required, emphasizing the synthesis of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.

1. Cytokinins:

• Low Levels: Restricting cytokinin levels redirects resources towards oil production, leading to higher concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product.

2. Gibberellins:

• Low Levels: Reduced gibberellin levels result in a more compact plant structure, focusing resources on the synthesis of oils and terpenes rather than excessive stem growth.

3. Auxins:

• Moderate Levels: Maintaining moderate auxin levels ensures a balanced transition from vegetative growth to flowering, crucial for the development of oil-rich trichomes.

 

Hormonal Influence on Flowering Times:

Shorter Flowering (High Gibberellins, Low Auxins, Low Cytokinins):

• Auxins: Low levels reduce apical dominance, leading to shorter internode lengths and accelerated growth.
• Gibberellins: Elevated levels promote stem elongation, resulting in taller plants.
• Cytokinins: Diminished levels lead to fewer cell division processes, culminating in shorter flowering times.

Longer Flowering (Low Gibberellins, High Auxins, High Cytokinins):

• Auxins: Higher levels contribute to augmented apical dominance, leading to longer internode lengths and an extended vegetative phase.
• Gibberellins: Reduced levels lead to limited stem elongation, resulting in a more compact structure.
• Cytokinins: Elevated levels are pivotal in promoting cell division, extending the flowering phase.

Cytotoxic Terpenes, Cannabis Defense Mechanisms, and Cytokinins:

• All Monoterpenes have varying levels of cytotoxic effects, aiding in plant defense.
• Elevated cytokinin's correlate with increased production of cytotoxic terpenes, highlighting the balance between hormonal regulation and defense mechanisms.