In the quest to maximize cannabis yield and efficiency in indoor cultivation, a groundbreaking study has shed light on the significant potential of adjusting daily photoperiods beyond the traditional 12 hours. The study focused on two THC-dominant cultivars, 'Incredible Milk' (IM) and 'Gorilla Glue' (GG), revealing that extending the daily light exposure to 13 hours can lead to a remarkable 35% increase in total inflorescence yield.
Going Beyond the 12-hour Light Cycle
For years, the cannabis industry has adhered to a 12-hour photoperiod to trigger flowering in indoor-grown cannabis. However, this new research suggests that such a regime may not be universally optimal. By extending the daily photoperiod to 13 hours under a canopy-level PPFD of 540 µmol·m^−2·s^−1 from white LEDs, the study unveiled that not only is a longer photoperiod feasible, but it can also significantly amplify growth and yield without compromising the quality of the cannabinoids.
The Science Behind the Yield
The yield increases observed under the extended photoperiod regime were not merely proportional to the increase in daily light integrals (DLIs). This suggests that other factors, influenced by longer photoperiods, play a crucial role in enhancing yield. For instance, a longer light period can delay the onset of flowering, which, contrary to expectations, results in a more robust vegetative growth phase. This phase is critical as it increases foliar biomass, enhancing light interception and potentially increasing the number of flowering sites.
The Benefits of Extended Light Exposure
Despite initial delays in inflorescence development, the final yield and size of the apical inflorescences in both cultivars were significantly larger under the 13-hour photoperiod. This finding emphasizes that photoperiod management is a straightforward yet highly effective strategy for indoor cannabis cultivators aiming to boost yield. Moreover, the quality of the cannabinoid composition in the apical inflorescences remained high, indicating that extending the photoperiod does not sacrifice product quality.
Cultivar-Specific Responses and Practical Implications
The study highlights the cultivar-dependent nature of cannabis' photoperiod responses, underscoring the importance of growers experimenting with photoperiod adjustments tailored to their specific strains and cultivation systems. The potential for increased yield through a simple adjustment in lighting schedules presents a cost-effective opportunity for cultivators to enhance production efficiency.
Conclusion
This pioneering research offers a new perspective on indoor cannabis cultivation, challenging the traditional 12-hour photoperiod dogma. By embracing a 13-hour light cycle, growers have a promising avenue to significantly increase yield while maintaining quality, marking a potential paradigm shift in indoor cannabis cultivation practices. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, such innovative approaches to cultivation will be crucial in meeting the growing demand efficiently and sustainably.
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