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How Triacontanol Helps Cannabis Plants
Primarily , TRIA significantly increases chlorophyll levels in plant leaves , which in turn improves the amount of photosynthetic activity , creating food for the plant . It has also been shown to improve growth and yields , while improving the uptake of nutrients and water in both “ normal ” and adverse conditions and trials . On a more molecular level , Triacontanol helps with up-regulation of biological and physiological processes in plants . It also helps with nitrogen fixation , enhances enzyme activities , and increases the flow of free amino acids and soluble proteins . Overall , it helps improve plant disease resistance and reduces the incidence of pest infestation . There is plenty of research on plant pests and pathogens and what conditions are favorable for their development and success . It is thought that pests , for instance , can “ see ” plant stress and therefore have an easy meal . Triacontanol can possibly make plants appear “ invisible ” to pests as they help to stabilize so many vital plant functions . This theory is not yet fully vetted , but may represent part of the reason why TRIA has been shown to be such a symbiotic amendment to healthy plant development and high yields . The amount of actual peer-reviewed field and lab trials of Triacontanol on cannabis crops is limited . But it has been proven to aid many other more traditional crops . Several studies have shown the average yield of grain crops increased by 5-15 percent with the addition of TRIA treatments . Additionally , oil crop yields were increased by 10-20 percent and vegetable yields increased between 10 and 40 percent . Other economically vital crops were increased by 10-15 percent . Triacontanol also increases plant height , width , and bulk density , which is valuable for plants whose leaves , stems , or shoots are harvested . The following is just a short list , gleaned from several different studies looking at some of the benefits of TRIA when applied to staple , herb , and other agricultural crops around the world .
Tomatoes — TRIA increased the concentrations of calcium , magnesium , and potassium . It also increased plant height , dry and fresh weight . TRIA increased the number of fruits per plant and weight of fruits . When applied to cuttings , TRIA reduced the instances of Tomato Wilt disease .
Rice — TRIA applications increase respiration by up to 20 percent and increased the uptake of nitrogen ( in the forms of NH and NO 3 ). It also promoted hydrolysis , hydration , and oxidation in leaf and stem tissues .
Corn — TRIA increased the concentrations of calcium , magnesium , and potassium .
Cucumbers — TRIA inhibited the development of Cucumber Damping Off Disease and increased the concentrations of calcium , magnesium , and potassium .
Cabbage — When applied to cuttings , TRIA reduced the incidence of Cabbage Downy Mildew .
Lettuce — TRIA increased yields with larger heads and leaves .
Beans — TRIA increased the number of pods , weight per pod , number of seeds per pod , and increased wet and dry weight .
Coffee senna ( a pantropical food and medicinal plant ) — TRIA increased the number of pods , weight per pod , number of seeds per pod , and increased wet and dry weight .
Poppy ( opium ) — TRIA increased plant height , dry weight , and number of branches . It also increased number of capsules per plant and crude opium yield .
Mint — TRIA applications increased leaf yields , leaf weight , plant height , and increased both fresh and dry weights . It also increased the amount of essential oils in the treated plants .
Basil — TRIA increased the number of shoots , root lengths , number of spikes per plant , total leaf area , fresh and dry yields , and the amount of essential oil .
There is little reason to believe that many of these same benefits would not be conferred upon or realized when applying TRIA to cannabis crops , whether grown hydroponically , in greenhouses , or in the field .
How and When to Use TRIA
Triacontanol applications are effective when applied as a foliar application or directly to the root medium . It primarily depends on what stage of growth your cannabis is in at the time of application . When sprayed , it sometimes needs to be dissolved before use . Make sure to thoroughly read the label instructions before using . It is also often touted as a must-have when rooting cuttings of cannabis and other soft as well as hardwood vegetative cuttings . Unlike many other types of amendments and supplements , a little TRIA goes a long way . Concentrated applications of Triacontanol are typically administered in amounts of 10-7 to 10-9 M . In more practical terms , this means TRIA is generally used in ranges between 0.01 parts per million ( ppm ) to 1 ppm . This is not very much at all compared to other common amendments .
Skepticism of TRIA Usage
Not all growers , researchers , and producers of Triacontanol and related products view many of the published results without some level of skepticism . Some trials of TRIA have shown increases in yields and fruit counts by as little as three percent which is not a statistically significant increase . There are many university and private researchers that have been unable to reproduce earlier published results on alfalfa crops that flourished after treatments of TRIA . There is some speculation based on a wide range of results that Triacontanol , being essentially insoluble in water and other solvents , is difficult to keep in a uniform solution , making repetitive tests of its efficacy suspect . Other researchers claim TRIA solutions will have best results if only in pHs of 8 or greater , and only when in the presence of certain metal ions .
What to do with this information ? Hundreds of peer reviewed studies have shown there are definitive correlations between the use of Triacontanol and increased yields , more floriferous plants , more photosynthetic activity , and overall healthier plants . There are thousands of anecdotal endorsements from average users , suggesting it ’ s a great addition to their regimen for cannabis crops and they find it improved their grows anywhere from slightly to significantly . It is certainly worth considering if you have had any trouble with your crops or just want to see if TRIA might be able to give your plants a bit of a boost .
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