Browsing by Subject "Cannabis sativa L"

The legalization and evolving laws around the world regarding to cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. have led to a growing demand for optimized methods of mass propagation of cannabis plants. A micropropagation is a vital tool in this context, as it offers advantages such as rapid multiplication of elite clones, reduced space requirements, and produces clean plant material minimizing risks with diseases and pests. With micropropagation, the cannabis industry can ensure consistent quality and higher yields. Micropropagation methods for cannabis have been developed in numerous research, but the effect of light on the success of micropropagation has been studied fairly little. Using specially tailored LED lighting in cannabis production has proven to increase yield, cannabinoid content and affect the plant morphology. Thus, there is reason to believe that the effect of light intensity and spectra could have the same effect also in vitro. This research aimed to compare the effects of three different spectra and intensity levels on the multiplication rate and rooting of Cannabis sativa L. in vitro. Using hemp type cultivar Carmagnola, three different spectra: sunlike NS12, red and blue dominant AP67, and their combination AP67NS12 (C65, Valoya Oy, Helsinki, Finland) and three different intensity levels 30, 70, and 170 μmol m-2 s-1. Results of this study show that intensity has a significant effect on the formation of shoots, shoot height, number of leaves, and number of rooted plants. The lower intensity of 30 μmol m-2 s-1 results to more desirable morphological characteristics in all cases than the high intensity of 170 μmol m-2 s-1. Spectrum had significant effects on the number of shoots, number of leaves, and number of rooted plants. Treatment with spectrum NS12 resulted into the highest number of shoots, leaves, and tallest shoots. Treatment with spectrum AP67 can increase the number of rooting plants. This study gives encouraging results that optimizing light quality and quantity can have a positive effect on the desired morphological traits in the micropropagation of cannabis.