Abstract
The definition of optimum harvest and pruning interventions are important factors varying inflorescence yield and cannabinoid composition. This study investigated the impact of (i) harvest time (HT) and (ii) pruning techniques (PT) on plant biomass accumulation, CBD and CBDA-concentrations and total CBD yield of a chemotype III medical cannabis genotype under indoor cultivation. The experiment consisted of four HTs between 5 and 11 weeks of flowering and three PTs-apical cut (T); removal of side shoots (L) and control (C), not pruned plants. Results showed that inflorescence dry weight increased continuously, while the total CBD concentration did not differ significantly over time. For the studied genotype, optimum harvest time defined by highest total CBD yield was found at 9 weeks of flowering. Total CBD-concentration of inflorescences in different fractions of the plant’s height was significantly higher in the top (9.9%) in comparison with mid (8.2%) and low (7.7%) fractions. The T plants produced significantly higher dry weight of inflorescences and leaves than L and C. Total CBD yield of inflorescences for PTs were significantly different among pruned groups, but do not differ from the control group. However, a trend for higher yields was observed (T > C > L).
Highlights
Worldwide cannabis cultivation has increased due to the recent changes in legalization, regulation and marketization of Cannabis sativa L. for industrial, medicinal and recreational use [1,2]
The experiment was two-factorial with the treatment harvest time (HT) and pruning techniques (PT)
The Harvest Time (HT) varied in four levels and PT varied in three levels
Summary
Worldwide cannabis cultivation has increased due to the recent changes in legalization, regulation and marketization of Cannabis sativa L. for industrial, medicinal and recreational use [1,2]. 177 phytocannabinoids have been identified in cannabis plants [3], among which the two most abundant are the psychoactive compound ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) [4]—whose medical properties have accumulated evidence for decades [5,6]. Both compounds have shown pharmacological effects for several medical treatments [7]. Medical cannabis is often cultivated in indoor and greenhouse systems enabling both more control of environmental conditions and a higher standardization of cultivation processes [12]. The importance of optimizing indoor systems has increased due to the demand for yield maximization and improved efficiency of growing systems [13]
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