Description of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa, commonly known as "hemp" or "industrial hemp", is a plant species from the Cannabaceae family. It is a tall and fibrous plant that has been used by humans for thousands of years due to its diverse range of applications.
Origin of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
The exact origin of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Central Asia. It has been cultivated for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties for thousands of years in various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Common Names of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa is commonly referred to as "hemp" or "industrial hemp" due to its use in industrial applications. It is sometimes also known as "true hemp" to distinguish it from other types of cannabis plants.
Uses of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa has a range of uses due to its fibrous properties. The plant is mainly grown for industrial purposes, such as for manufacturing textiles, paper, and building materials. Hemp seeds are also commonly used as a food source and contain a high concentration of protein and essential fatty acids. The plant's oil is also used in cosmetic products and as a component of biofuels. Additionally, hemp has been used for medicinal purposes in some cultures for its reported pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety properties.
General Appearance of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa is a tall and slender plant that can grow up to 20 feet in height. It has thin stems and narrow leaves that are often pointed and serrated. The plant's flowers are small and green, and the seeds are small and dark. The plant is typically grown outdoors and requires a warm and humid climate to thrive.
Light Requirements
For Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa plants, intense light is necessary for optimum growth and flower production. The plant prefers long days with over 12 hours of light per day during vegetative growth, and shorter days with 10 to 12 hours of light per day during blooming time. Full sun exposure is ideal, but supplemental artificial lighting can also be used to maintain light intensity and duration.
Temperature Requirements
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa plants grow best in a stable and moderate temperature environment. The ideal temperature range for vegetative growth is between 18-30°C (64-86°F), while the ideal range during blooming time is around 18-26°C (65-78°F). Sudden fluctuations in temperature, either hot or cold, can stress the plant and affect its overall growth, yield, and quality.
Soil Requirements
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa plants require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal for the plant's root development and nutrient absorption. The soil should not be too heavy or compacted; rather, it should be loose and airy to provide ample oxygen flow and prevent root rot. Additionally, the soil must be kept moist throughout the plant's life cycle, but not waterlogged to avoid drowning the roots.
Cultivation methods
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa can be grown indoors or outdoors depending on the climate and preference. Indoor cultivation allows for greater control of the plant's environment, while outdoor cultivation requires natural light and soil nutrients.
When growing indoors, growers use artificial light sources and hydroponic systems. Hydroponics allows for the plant to grow faster and larger by providing all necessary nutrients directly to the roots.
Outdoor cultivation relies on natural sunlight and soil nutrients. It's essential to choose a well-drained site with fertile soil and a pH level that ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant should also receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Watering needs
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa requires a lot of water during its vegetative stage, which typically lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the plant should be watered often enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot.
As the plant begins to enter the flowering stage, it requires less water, so the amount can be reduced. At this point, the soil should be allowed to dry out a bit before watering to prevent overwatering. The plant should also be watered at the base to prevent water from getting on the leaves, which can lead to mold or mildew.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential for healthy growth and yields in Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa. During the vegetative stage, the plant requires a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote leaf and stem growth. A fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 (N-P-K) is ideal during this stage.
As the plant enters the flowering stage, it requires a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus to promote blooming. A fertilizer with a ratio of 1-4-7 (N-P-K) is ideal during this stage.
It's also essential to flush the plant with plain water before harvesting to remove excess salts and nutrients that can affect the flavor and quality of the final product.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure the plant grows correctly and produces high-quality buds. During the vegetative stage, it's important to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and any branches that aren't getting enough light or airflow.
During the flowering stage, it's best to avoid pruning too much, as it can cause stress to the plant and lower yields. However, it's still essential to remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent mold or mildew from developing.
Overall, Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa requires careful cultivation and care to achieve optimal yield and quality. By following proper watering, fertilization, and pruning techniques, growers can ensure healthy growth and a successful harvest.
Propagation of Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The method chosen depends on various factors, including the cultivator's preferences, the purpose of cultivation, and the genetics of the plant.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. This method is advantageous for creating genetically diverse populations and producing plants with specific traits. Cannabis sativa produces both male and female flowers, and to produce seeds, pollen from the male flowers must come into contact with the female flowers' stigma. Once fertilized, the flowers develop into seeds that can be collected and stored for future use.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation in Cannabis sativa can be accomplished through techniques such as cloning, cuttings, and tissue culture. Cloning involves taking a cutting from a mother plant and rooting it to produce a genetically identical offspring. This method ensures that the new plant will possess the same desirable traits as the mother plant. Cuttings involve taking a part of the plant and replanting it to grow into a new plant. This method is useful if the parent plant is nearing the end of its growth cycle. Tissue culture involves using small plant parts, like stem cells, to produce multiple plants with the same genetic make-up. This method is useful in the production of large numbers of genetically identical plants that can then be grown for different purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa
Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa is a highly valued crop due to its medicinal and recreational uses. However, this plant is susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. Therefore, effective disease and pest management strategies are crucial for successful cultivation.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa are spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies. Spider mites and aphids suck plant sap, causing wilting and discoloration of leaves. Fungus gnats damage the roots and reduce nutrient absorption, while thrips and whiteflies damage the leaves and transmit viruses.
Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective strategy for controlling pests in Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa. This involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Cultural control measures include proper sanitation, crop rotation, and maintaining ideal growing conditions for the plant. Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies like predatory mites and parasitic wasps. Chemical control methods include the use of pesticides, but should be used sparingly and only when necessary to avoid contamination of the plant and surrounding environment.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa are powdery mildew, botrytis, root rot, and fusarium wilt. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, while botrytis causes grayish mold on the flowers and leaves. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to the decay of roots. Fusarium wilt causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, leading to stunted growth and yield loss.
Disease Management
The best way to manage diseases in Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Good cultural practices like proper irrigation, ventilation, and sanitation can help reduce the risk of fungal infections. In case of an outbreak, early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective management. Fungicides and other chemical treatments can be used, but should be applied judiciously and in accordance with label instructions. In addition, regular monitoring and pruning of infected plant parts can help contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
