The need for sustainable cannabis cultivation methods is increasing and plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has a potential to improve trichome production in these plants.
Cannabinoids, which are largely produced in stalked glandular trichomes on the cannabis plant’s inflorescences, are known to have medicinal properties. For farmers wishing to use eco-friendly agricultural practices is, among others, essential. They also look at sustainable production methods while limiting soil and fertiliser use.
The role of PGPR in cannabis cultivation
In addition to increasing essential oil content and trichome development in popular garden plants, especially herbs, PGPR increases yields in a variety of crops. However, there is little study on the use of PGPR in cannabis growth. Thus, the advantages of PGPR, such as improved trichome development and general plant growth, could be maintained or augmented when Cannabis plants are subjected to stress because PGPR can reduce the impacts of stress on plants.
PGPR potential research
A thesis study assessed how the PGPR inoculation affected the growth of cannabis trichomes in its cultivation processes. Cannabis plants were grown by vegetative cuttings and then placed into soil. They went to soil together with independent or combined strains of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. Up until week 6, either low nutrient levels or suitable nutrient levels were used to grow the plants. At that point, all plants received the prescribed nutrient levels. Then researchers calculated the surface area and counted each stalked trichome.
Surprisingly, the PGPR treatments had a tendency to decrease the density of stalked glandular cannabis trichomes on inflorescence organs in acceptable nutritional levels cultivation. A small decrease in the concentration of nine cannabinoids was consistent with this pattern. On the other hand, PGPR had a favourable impact on trichome densities under the low nutrition regime. Comparing the two nutritional regimes showed that common cannabinoids were present in greater amounts under nutrient constraint, despite the variable effects on cannabinoid levels. Notably, the cannabinoid profile saw the greatest modifications in case of combination of Bacillus sp. inoculation and a low-nutrient regimen.
Furthermore, there were no significant variations in the overall plant development characteristics regardless of PGPR treatment or nutritional regime. In contrast, leaf area increased across all PGPR treatments when nutrition levels were lower than those advised.
Recommendations for cannabis producers
This study emphasises a favourable correlation between PGPR presence, environmental stress, and cannabis yield. These results advise cannabis businesses to use less soil fertiliser and include PGPR as biofertilizers to increase cannabinoid output.
Sustainable cultivation methods are crucial as the cannabis business develops. This study highlights how rhizobacteria that promote plant growth might enhance trichome formation and THC outputs in Cannabis plants. Understanding how PGPR, environmental stress, and plant growth interact can help producers adopt environmentally friendly practices that reduce the need of chemicals while enhancing the quality and yield of cannabinoids. Future cannabis cultivation will be efficient and sustainable thanks to more investigation into these connections.