An increase in trichomes in cannabis

Ways to increase the number of trichomes in cannabis
 

Cannabis is grown specifically for its trichomes. Growers use an endless number of tricks to increase the production of the happiness glands in plants, from low and high stress training to water stress and more.

In fact, in this way they imitate situations that occur in nature in order to get a better and larger harvest.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the use of ice and ice water at the end of flowering, as well as the use of a period of complete darkness shortly before harvest.

Do these manipulations make sense? Is there any scientific evidence to support the real effect of this tactic?

As a study of information on various grower forums shows, growers are divided into two camps: some defend this technique, while others, on the contrary, reject it.  

THEORY OF THE "ICE AND DARKNESS" METHOD

Cannabis trichomes have a protective function. They resist the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, and are also a deterrent to insects and pests.

The growth of trichomes occurs mainly at night so that the plant can prepare for sunrise.

Trichomes develop especially rapidly at the late stage of flowering. In nature, this stage corresponds to the autumn period, when the ambient temperature begins to fall, and sunny days become shorter.

Flushing with ice while placing the plant in complete darkness is an imitation of natural autumn, only in a harsher, “shock” form. At the same time, the water washes the growing medium and the plant itself. All this is supposed to force the plants to make a powerful final push in the production of more trichomes.

And the long night period presumably gives the plant extra time to do this. 

Some growers put ice directly on the soil:

Others spray cannabis with ice-cold water, others use climate control devices, lowering the temperature of the growing space in a way that causes less damage to the roots and avoids excessive shock to the plants.

Some even add UV lamps to the lighting. As for the rinse itself, most growers start applying it about 14 days before harvest. 

IS THEORY PROVEN?

As confirmation of the above, we can cite the following fact, discovered by the Dutch trust company "Institute for Medical Marijuana" (SIMM).

One of their findings was that keeping near-ripe plants in the dark before harvesting could increase their psychoactivity. In their experience, SIMM growers examined a group of mature plants. Half of them were harvested immediately, while the other half were left in complete darkness for 72 hours before being cut and dried. 

Analysis of the obtained dried buds from the second group showed that some of them showed an increase in THC levels up to 30% , while the levels of CBD and CBN remained the same.

However, see how they comment on this fact in the book "Cultivation of Cannabis", written by CKWatson in 2010:

“There is a rumor that when you put your plants in the dark for 36 to 48 hours before harvest, it results in more trichomes. The myth is reinforced by the fact that manufacturers say that this technique works for them. They tried this technique on 30 different cultivars, with the result that only four of the 30 cultivars showed more trichomes, while the other 26 began to hermaphrodite."

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE METHOD

The described technique certainly has its risks. When your plants are under a lot of stress, it can lead to a decrease in the quantity and quality of the crop. Should we risk the harvest at such a late stage?

Based only on the opinion of a part of the plant growing community and a few scientific studies, one should be aware of the possible consequences of this method:

1. Root damage 

Especially dangerous when using ice and ice water. It is much better to have a climate controlled grow room in order to better simulate desired temperature changes.

2. Hermaphroditism and malformations

This problem is especially relevant when the use of complete darkness is combined with the wrong timing of harvest when the grower overexposes the plants to flower. In this case, the right approach is formed with experience and knowledge of the characteristics of the varieties that you grow. 

3. Bud rot 

Due to the drop in temperature and the absence of light for a long period, the likelihood of mold development increases dramatically, especially on dense ripened buds. So if you want to use this method, make sure the area you're growing is well ventilated and keep a close eye on the humidity levels.

CONCLUSION

Unfortunately, there is currently too little reliable information on this technique. The use of “ice and darkness” techniques requires more scientific research, and today this method can neither be discarded as harmful, nor unambiguously accepted as correct and effective, but still call and order cannabis seeds in Ukraine  in our prostorasta store. com

*All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a guide or call to action. All materials are taken from the Internet.