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Grodan & F1 SeedTech Announce Success in Pioneering Cannabis Cultivation Trial

Grodan in partnership with F1 SeedTech announced the results of a cannabis cultivation trial conducted at the CRIC Labs in Montreal. Agriculture News, AgTech News, AgTech.
Image provided by F1 SeedTech

Key Points:

  • Grodan and F1 SeedTech completed a cannabis cultivation trial at CRIC Labs in Montreal.
  • The trial highlighted improved yield, efficiency, and consistency using stone wool media and F1 hybrid seeds.
  • Findings include maximum yields of 9.4 kg/m² (1.93 lbs/ft²) annually and higher resource efficiency compared to organic media.
  • The collaboration aims to support licensed growers with innovative solutions for advancing cannabis production.
  • Insights will be shared at MJBizCon 2024 at Booth #47023.

Trial Program Overview

Grodan (Company Profile), a leader in stone wool growing media, in partnership with F1 SeedTech (Company Profile), a pioneer in F1 hybrid cannabis seeds, has announced the results of a cannabis cultivation trial conducted at the CRIC Labs in Montreal. This program, which began in October 2023, builds upon a 2022 European study that demonstrated the potential of stone wool media combined with F1 hybrid seeds to improve cannabis crop yield, resource efficiency, and consistency.

The trial, consisting of five distinct studies, focused on achieving measurable advancements in cannabis cultivation, including optimized input usage and improved crop uniformity.


Key Findings from the Trial

Yield Improvements

The trial achieved a maximum annual production rate of 9.4 kg/m² (1.93 lbs/ft²) of dried cannabis flower, demonstrating the potential of stone wool media to produce higher yields compared to organic alternatives.

Enhanced Resource Efficiency

The research highlighted stone wool’s advantages in water and light efficiency. According to Frank Janssen, Product Development Manager at Grodan, the stone wool substrate required smaller volumes and reduced irrigation frequency, leading to lower overall consumption of water and nutrients.

“Stone wool provides a more efficient and beneficial growing environment compared to organic growing media,” Janssen explained. “This is evident in the higher grams of flower produced per liter of water and nutrients.”

Consistency in Production

The trials demonstrated high plant uniformity, resulting in predictable outcomes and consistent product quality. This uniformity reduces waste and allows for more efficient operations.


Benefits for Growers

Improved Flower-to-Leaf Ratio

Janssen emphasized that stone wool media promotes generative growth, leading to a higher flower-to-leaf ratio. Additionally, its steerability allows growers to manage crops more predictably, which reduces labor costs and operational expenses.

Advantages of F1 Hybrid Seeds

Maikel de Bresser, COO of F1 SeedTech, highlighted the role of high-quality genetics in the trial’s success. F1 hybrid seeds contributed to:

  • Strong rooting for healthier plants.
  • Disease resistance, reducing the need for pesticides.
  • Upright plants that eliminate the need for support nets.

“These benefits translate to greater efficiency and increased gross margins for growers,” said de Bresser.


Next Steps and Industry Engagement

Grodan and F1 SeedTech plan to continue exploring the potential of combining stone wool growing media with F1 hybrid seeds over the coming year. Insights from this collaboration will be shared at industry events and through detailed publications.

Presentation at MJBizCon 2024

Attendees of the MJBizCon 2024, scheduled from December 3-6 in Las Vegas, can learn more about these findings at Booth #47023 in the Cultivation Pavilion. Presentations by Frank Janssen and Maikel de Bresser will provide a deeper dive into the trial results and implications for the cannabis industry.

Read the rest of the study here.


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