Case for GrowPros Spectrum light

Case Study: Crystal Production Increases Exponentially Using Grow Pros HM660 LED Grow Lights 

Introduction 

Based in N. America, a private grow operation installed Grow Pros Solutions HM660 LED grow lights in a controlled environment and found that plants under HM660 grow lights produced more crystals on the weed leaves than plants under grow lights from other manufacturers. 

How Grow Pros HM660 Improved Crystal Production 

The optimal levels of light produced by the HM660, at different stages of the plant cycle, encouraged the crystal production of the cannabis plants. Full-spectrum lighting, and full control over fixture set-up, nurtures the plant, allows for adaptability to the changing needs of the different stages of the grow cycle, and encourages the creation of an abundance of crystals—which improves the vitality, robustness, and overall high quality of the plant. 

What are crystals? 

Crystals refer to the cannabis plant’s trichomes. Trichomes manifest in three forms, one of them resembling tiny crystal bulbs. Trichomes are one of the most essential parts of the cannabis plant because of their many benefits. 

Why are trichomes important? 

• Trichomes contain a high quantity of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. 
• Trichomes may indicate when plants are ready for harvests. 
• Trichomes may deter herbivorous insects that may eat or destroy the plants. 

Trichomes is Collected as ‘Resin’ 

An accumulation of trichomes secreted by the plant is known as “resin.” The resin production of plant is a trend that is growing more and more popular among commercial growers whose operation survives on a cultivation based off a bountiful production of trichomes—from which kief, and in effect, hash, is extracted. 

How can you spot crystals? 

Crystals resemble frost on an evergreen tree—the name “crystals” aptly suiting the tiny white ‘crystals’ that form on the bud. The above photo (R) is an actual close-up of a cannabis plant from the domestic grow operation utilizing Grow Pros HM660 LED grow lights.

Terpenes, Flavonoids, Cannabinoids 

Although the entire marijuana plant contains cannabinoids, the plant’s trichomes contain a much higher concentration of: 

• Terpenes: flavor + aroma 
• Flavonoids: antioxidants, pigmentation (vibrancy of plant), flavor, aroma, plant protectants, and possible medicinal benefits 
• Cannabinoids: produces psychoactive ingredients such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerols (CBG), etc. 

Trichomes are busy factories that produce the elements that enhance the potency, flavor profile, aroma, robustness, psychotropic factor, and overall health and high quality of the yields. 

Trichomes May Indicate Harvest Time 

A trichome’s lifecycle can indicate when the plant has reached peak ripeness that signal when the plant is ready for harvest. The appearance of the trichome, which morphs from translucent to milky to amber (sometimes in the span of only 10 days) at the plant’s full maturation. 

Note: all strains of cannabis are different and certain trichomes will display maturation differently. Depending on what effect is desired, the grower may harvest the plant at either its milky or amber stage. That said, trichome coloration remains a widely accepted standard for determining the harvest time for many strains. 

Trichomes May Deter Harmful Pests 

Trichomes may deter animals, pests, and other non-living environmental variables that may harm or eat the plant. Toward the end of the flowering cycle, the female cannabis plants are especially vulnerable to pests. Trichomes may offer protection against these harmful herbivorous insects. 

When Do Trichomes Form? 

Trichomes form at the start of the flowering phase. As the plants begin to produce flowers, trichomes form along the outer surface the plant and begin to emerge from the head of the plant. 

How to Check for Trichomes 

• Magnifier 

• Take a photo and zoom in 
• Microscope 
• Phone camera attachment 

Why is my plant not producing trichomes? How can I increase trichome/resin production? 

High-impact lighting is the most effective way to increase trichome production. 

• Trichome cultivation requires high-intensity light in the flowering stage and uniform, full-spectrum lighting over the plant life cycle. Studies have shown that THC levels are up to 20-30% higher when grown under LED in comparison to HPS lights. This is due to the superior full-spectrum and higher regulation of heat management that LEDs offer over HPS.1 
• Other factors that affect trichome production include light spectrum, nutrient uptake, watering cycles, temperature, humidity, and airflow. Along with grow conditions, genetics of a cannabis strain also impacts trichome production. 
• The quantity of trichomes does not necessarily indicate the success of cannabinoid and terpene production. These factors are largely influenced by environmental conditions. 

Careful Handling at Flowering Stage Is Imperative 

Careful handling of the plants during the flowering stage is crucial because trichomes may be degraded on physical contact, even in contact with the flowering bud, as well as abrupt changes in heat, light, and oxygen. 

Bottom Line 

The more crystals, or trichomes, on the marijuana plant, the higher quality, better tasting, more aromatic, and possibly higher potency the plant—which means a more successful grow operation and more growth in your business over time. Cultivating crystals on a marijuana plant may be difficult, and it involves a lot of trial-and-error, but with a grow light solution pre-engineered for setting the ideal environment for each stage of your grow operation, a successful grow lab is a pinch. 

See more about the Grow Pros Solutions HM660 LED grow light: https://wegrowpros.com/hm660/. 

See the Grow Pros Solutions 4X6 HM960 LED grow light: https://wegrowpros.com/hm960-series/ 

For more info on this case study, contact our Grow Pros grow experts at info@wegrowpros.com or 818-818-8088. 

1Magagnini G, Grassi G, Kotiranta S: The Effect of Light Spectrum on the Morphology and Cannabinoid Content of Cannabis sativa L. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2018;1:19-27. doi: 10.1159/000489030. https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/489030 

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