Retipping: A revolutionary propagation method for efficient cannabis cultivation

Um new study published in the journal HortScience found that retipping, a new propagation method, works as effectively as traditional micropropagation methods for growing cannabis. Retipping involves obtaining shoots from newly micropropagated plants, which are then used to grow new plants.

In the study, University of Connecticut (UConn) scientists compared cannabis plants grown from buds obtained by the traditional method of propagation using clones taken directly from the stems, buds obtained by micropropagation, and buds obtained by the method of retipping of two different varieties of cannabis, “Abacus” e “Wife”. Having found no significant differences either in the cannabinoid content or in the physical properties of the plants grown from each method.

They also verified that the shoots obtained by retipping had a high rooting success, with 76% in the variety “Abacus” and 81% in variety “Wife”, rooting successfully without the use of rooting hormone.

The researchers found that the use of retipping has the potential to produce nine times more plants in the same growing space compared to shoots obtained by the traditional propagation method of being taken from stems of mother plants.

“This method could help grow facilities grow more in less space, while maintaining the quality of their final product,” said Jessica Lubell-Brand, professor of horticulture in UConn's College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

The study highlights the importance of efficient cannabis growing practices, particularly as the demand for cannabis and cannabis products continues to increase. Micropropagation has become a popular solution to the problem of disease accumulation in mother plants, but it comes with its own problems, such as over-hydration of shoots.

“Not all breeding facilities have the means to build a laboratory and grow micropropagated plants,” said Lubell-Brand. "However, there are plant nurseries with laboratories that can step in to supply them, especially as more and more cannabis cultivation becomes legal in several states."

Lauren Kurtz, study co-author and PhD student in UConn's Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, added, “The legal cannabis industry is moving ahead of the science. Our lab is helping to close the gap and provide evidence-based strategies to improve cultivation.”

The results of this study suggest that the retipping could become a valuable tool for cannabis growers looking to expand their production, while maintaining the quality of their final product.