Advanced Cloning Methods for Commercial Cannabis Growers

Summary

In this detailed guide, Darren Kaplan of The Canic Cribs Horticultural Consulting team takes us through the efficient and effective process of cannabis cloning. Focusing on best practices for sanitation, organization, and workflow, Darren highlights how proper equipment, color-coding, and disinfecting procedures minimize contamination. He shares a systematic approach to cutting, preparing, and rooting clones, while also emphasizing the importance of tracking performance using KPIs for cloning efficiency. The video provides valuable insights for cannabis cultivators aiming to optimize cloning success and maintain uniformity in large-scale operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure all tools are color-coded and dedicated to specific rooms or processes to maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
• 😀 Always sanitize scissors, gloves, and surfaces thoroughly, especially when handling different types of plants to avoid pathogen transfer.
• 😀 Make sure cuts are taken from healthy mother plants, limiting the removal of foliage to no more than 30-40% to prevent stress on the plant.
• 😀 Use a sterilized 10% bleach solution for disinfecting tools and surfaces, and 70% isopropyl alcohol for surfaces in between each task.
• 😀 Maintain optimal environmental conditions for clones, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, to ensure successful rooting.
• 😀 Keep cloning stations organized, ensuring each tray is filled uniformly to avoid overcrowding and facilitate better rooting.
• 😀 Multi-tasking is important—cut several clones at once and keep them organized in the cloning tray to avoid delays and reduce labor costs.
• 😀 Use rooting hormone (e.g., Clonex) for faster and more successful rooting, applying it directly to the base of the cuttings before planting them in the substrate.
• 😀 Measure team efficiency by tracking KPIs like the number of clones produced per person per hour to monitor productivity and performance.
• 😀 Use a humidity dome to maintain moisture levels for the clones, keeping the vents open initially for proper ventilation.
• 😀 Regularly check clones for signs of overcrowding and adjust their environment as necessary, including light intensity, to ensure proper growth and avoid mold formation.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using color-coded bins and tools in the cloning process?

The color-coded bins and tools are designed to ensure proper organization, minimize cross-contamination, and streamline the cloning process. For example, green bins are used for clean tools, while red bins are for dirty tools, helping prevent accidental mistakes, like using bleach on the plants.

Why is it important to disinfect scissors with bleach during cloning?

Disinfecting scissors with bleach is crucial to prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens like hop latent viroid (HLVd) between plants. The bleach solution ensures that the scissors are thoroughly sanitized before making any new cuts, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

What is hop latent viroid (HLVd), and why is it a concern in cannabis cultivation?

HLVd is one of the most damaging pathogens in cannabis crops, and it can spread easily during cloning or plant handling. It is a major concern because it can severely affect plant health and yield, which is why strict hygiene and disinfection practices are essential.

How long should scissors be disinfected in bleach, and why is this timing critical?

Scissors should be disinfected in bleach for at least 1 minute to ensure that any pathogens are effectively neutralized. The timing is critical because bleach is most effective when it has had sufficient time to work, and this duration ensures thorough disinfection.

What role does the timer play in the cloning process?

The timer is used to keep track of the disinfection time for the scissors in the bleach solution. By setting a timer for 1 minute, it ensures that each pair of scissors is disinfected for the proper amount of time, minimizing the risk of pathogen transfer.

What is the benefit of using a vegetative fertilizer spray during the cloning process?

The vegetative fertilizer spray helps to keep the cuttings hydrated, maintain the right humidity levels, and provide some initial nutrients before transplanting. This supports the cuttings' health and encourages successful rooting.

How can you ensure successful rooting of clones?

Successful rooting can be ensured by making proper cuts, maintaining appropriate humidity levels, and providing the right environmental conditions. It's important to use the right type of cutting, such as an apical shoot, and to prevent over-crowding in the cloning tray.

Why should the size of clones be standardized, and how is this done?

Standardizing the size of clones is crucial for ensuring uniform growth and preventing competition among clones. The process involves measuring the clones to maintain consistent size (usually 4-5 inches in length) and cutting them uniformly for better root development.

How does cutting back the mother plant impact its recovery and the cloning process?

Cutting back the mother plant helps manage its size, improve light penetration, and reduce stress. It encourages new growth, which can be used for future clones. However, after cutting, the plant's water demand and irrigation schedule will change, requiring careful monitoring.

What is the ideal humidity and light intensity for cloned plants in the dome?

The ideal humidity for the dome is around 90% to prevent the cuttings from drying out. The light intensity should be around 100 to 150 µmol/m²/s (PPFD) for optimal growth. These conditions help maintain a favorable environment for rooting and healthy clone development.