How to Propagate Cannabis Cuttings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for propagating cannabis cuttings, the method comprising: propagating cannabis cuttings in a manner that the propagating cannabis cuttings are 60 kg / m², the propagating cannabis cuttings comprising man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a hardened binder composition; 3 ~70kg / m 3 providing a coherent growth substrate having a density in the range of 0.01 to 0.01; inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate in a position where the growth substrate does not have any seed holes; and providing a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm to the cannabis cutting within the growth substrate. The method of the invention results in increased output by having a faster growth process, more uniformly grown cuttings, and a greater number of grown cannabis cuttings that can proceed to the next growth stage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for propagating cannabis cuttings in a growth substrate comprising man-made vitreous fibers bonded to a hardened binder composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family, with three known species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In recent years, cannabis has been studied and used for medicinal purposes. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that can be used medicinally. Cannabis has been used, among other things, to treat nausea and vomiting (e.g., during chemotherapy), chronic pain and muscle spasms, and epilepsy.

[0003] It is known to grow cannabis indoors and in large greenhouses to optimize growing conditions and obtain good yields. US 2017 / 0283333 A1 discloses growing vegetables and medicinal plants (such as medicinal cannabis) hydroponically.

[0004] Cannabis is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in less than a year and is dioecious, meaning it has both male and female plants. Medicinal cannabis can be reproduced sexually or asexually. Seeds are the product of sexual reproduction, while cuttings (also called clones) are the result of asexual reproduction. Cloning involves cutting a growing branch to obtain a "cutting"; placing the cutting in a growing medium to grow and develop roots. Clones are taken from a female plant with desirable medicinal qualities, called the mother plant. Essentially, cloning involves taking a single cell from one plant and promoting its growth into a single plant. This new plant is a copy of the mother plant because they share the same DNA.

[0005] Asexual reproduction (also known as cloning) is particularly favorable for medicinal cannabis because of its predictability and uniformity. Jurisdictions often require very carefully controlled growing conditions to comply with medicinal cannabis regulations. For example, the final harvested product must be tested to ensure the absence of undesirable components (such as pesticides or bacteria) and that required levels of cannabinoids are present.

[0006] Typically, propagation is the first stage of growing medicinal cannabis. Cuttings are taken and grown until a sufficient number of roots have developed. The propagated cuttings are then moved to the next growth phase, which is considered a separate growing process. During propagation, it is desirable to achieve the highest success rate in obtaining the required number of cuttings (i.e., developing the roots required for the next generation). It is also desirable to prepare the propagated cuttings at the correct time. This ensures that the maximum number of propagated cuttings are taken together and moved to the next growth phase at the correct time.

[0007] It would therefore be desirable to maximise the number of healthy, viable propagated cuttings so that an increased proportion of cuttings will develop roots and be available for use in the next stage of growth, which would ultimately lead to a higher yield of the end product (e.g., medicinal cannabis).

[0008] Additionally, it would be desirable to increase the uniformity of the propagated cuttings, as this would improve the quality of the final product (e.g., medicinal cannabis).

[0009] Additionally, it may be desirable to accelerate the propagation process, as the slower the process, the lower the quality of the propagated cuttings typically are, and therefore it may be desirable to accelerate propagation to achieve a higher success rate of cuttings and more uniform cuttings.

[0010] WO2016 / 061672A1 discloses a method for optimizing yield and accelerating growth of medicinal cannabis, but the method is complicated and expensive because it requires a growth chamber containing a climate-controlled microclimate under negative pressure.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for propagating cannabis cuttings, resulting in increased output due to a faster propagation process, more uniform propagated cuttings, and a greater number of propagated cannabis cuttings that can proceed to the next stage of growth. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a method that is efficient and economical. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of propagating cannabis cuttings, the method comprising: - 60 kg / m containing man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a hardened binder composition 3 ~70kg / m 3 providing a coherent growth substrate having a density in the range of; - inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate in a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; - providing a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm to said cannabis cutting in said growth substrate.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, the use of a coherent growth substrate for growing cannabis cuttings is disclosed, the use comprising: - inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate in a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; - providing the cannabis cutting in the growth substrate with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm; The coherent growth substrate comprises man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a cured binder composition; the growth substrate has a viscosity of 60 kg / m 3~70kg / m 3 with densities in the range of

[0014] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that the method of the present invention increases the number of propagated cuttings that can proceed to the next stage of growth, resulting in higher yields. Furthermore, the method of the present invention increases the uniformity of the cuttings, ultimately leading to a more uniform and therefore higher quality end product. Uniformity and quality are particularly important for medicinal cannabis, as pharmaceutical products require high standards. In addition, the method of the present invention allows the propagation process to be achieved in a shorter time, resulting in a higher quality and more uniform end product. In particular, these advantages are evident in the production of cannabis with a density of 60-70 kg / m 3 This is achieved by providing a growth substrate in the range of 1.6-2.4 mS / cm and inserting the cutting into the substrate in a location where there is no seed hole. Additionally, this is achieved by providing the growth substrate and cannabis cutting with a nutrient solution with an EC of 1.6-2.4 mS / cm. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A-D] 1A-1D show the results of experiments with growth substrates of various densities. [Figure 2A-C] Figures 2A-2C show the results after 10 days of the experiment using different nutrient solutions on the growth substrate. [Figure 3A-C] Figures 3A-3C show the results after 12 days of the experiment using different nutrient solutions on the growth substrate. [Figure 4A-C] Figures 4A-4C show the results after 14 days of the experiment using different nutrient solutions on the growth substrate. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a photograph of a cannabis cutting. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a photograph of the grown cannabis cutting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to a method of propagating cannabis cuttings, the method comprising: - 60 kg / m containing man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a hardened binder composition 3 ~70kg / m 3 providing a coherent growth substrate having a density in the range of; - inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate in a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; - providing a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm to said cannabis cutting in said growth substrate.

[0017] For the purposes of this invention, the term "method of propagation" has its usual meaning in the field of plant growth substrates. Propagation is the first stage of cannabis growth. Propagation is complete and the cutting is ready for the next stage of growth when a root system has developed. In the root system, roots grow through the growth substrate, with at least three roots protruding from the side or bottom of the substrate. The term propagation is very well understood in the field of growth substrates.

[0018] Figure 6 shows a photograph of propagated cannabis cuttings ready for the next stage of growth. All cuttings had developed root systems, with at least three roots protruding from the side or bottom of the growth substrate.

[0019] Typically, propagation continues for 3-4 weeks. However, in the present invention, propagation preferably continues for 2-3 weeks, preferably 2 weeks or less. This has the significant advantage of leading to more uniformly propagated cuttings, which in turn results in a higher quality end product. Additionally, accelerating the propagation process means that more cuttings can be produced per year, thus increasing yields.

[0020] The term "cannabis" refers to any plant from the Cannabaceae family (e.g., Cannabis sativa; Cannabis indica; and Cannabis ruderalis). The cannabis plant is also known as marijuana or hemp. Preferably, the present invention relates to medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis that meets the necessary regulations for use in the treatment of certain conditions.

[0021] For the purposes of this invention, the term "cutting" has its usual meaning in the art. This term refers to a part of a plant that has been cut from a growing branch or stem. When a cutting is first cut from a plant, it does not have any roots. When a cutting is propagated, it becomes a clone of the plant (called the mother plant) from which it was cut.

[0022] Preferably, cuttings taken from the mother plant are 10 to 14 days old. That is, the stems from which the cuttings are taken have been growing for 10 to 14 days prior to the cutting process. The mother plant may be older than 10 to 14 days. Cuttings are preferably 8 to 15 cm in length, more preferably 10 to 12 cm in length. Cuttings preferably have a stem diameter of 3 to 8 mm, most preferably 5 mm. The inventors have discovered that cuttings of the above length, diameter, and / or age lead to rapid root growth. To maximize the uniformity and quality of the final product, it is preferable that all cuttings be the same height and age.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting is cut at a 180° angle from the mother plant so that it can rest flat on a horizontal surface, and the lower and upper leaves are preferably removed after the cutting is taken from the mother plant to minimize evaporative losses.

[0024] Figure 5 shows four cuttings from one cannabis mother plant. Cutting A is a cutting taken as is from the mother plant. Cutting B is a shoot tip with a flat cut surface. Cutting C is a processed cutting where all of the lower stems have been removed. Cutting D is a processed cutting where larger leaves have been removed to limit evaporation.

[0025] In the present invention, a coherent growth substrate is provided that comprises man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF). The MMVF can be manufactured by any method known to those skilled in the art for manufacturing MMVF growth substrate products. Generally, an inorganic charge is provided and melted in a furnace to form an inorganic melt. The melt is then formed into fibers by rotary fiberization. Preferably, the coherent growth substrate is formed from man-made vitreous fibers.

[0026] The melt can be spun into fibers by external centrifugation, for example, using a cascade spinner, to form a cloud of fibers. Alternatively, the melt can be spun into fibers by internal centrifugation, for example, using a rotating cup, to form a cloud of fibers.

[0027] Typically, these fibers are then gathered to form a primary fleece or web, which is then cross-lapped to form a secondary fleece or web, which is then cured to form the growth substrate.

[0028] Binders and optionally wetting agents are added, usually at the fiberization stage, by spraying into the forming cloud of fibers, by methods well known in the art.

[0029] The MMVF can be of the conventional type used to form known MMVF growth substrates. It can be glass wool or slag wool, but is usually stone wool. Stone wool generally contains at least 3% iron oxide and 10-40% alkaline earth metal (calcium oxide and magnesium oxide) content, plus other oxides common to mineral wool, including silica, alumina, alkali metals (sodium oxide and potassium oxide), titania, and minor amounts of other oxides. In general, the MMVF can be any type of synthetic vitreous fiber commonly known for producing growth substrates.

[0030] The geometric mean diameter of the fibers is often in the range of 1.5 to 10 microns, particularly 2 to 8 microns, and conventionally preferably 3 to 6 microns.

[0031] Preferably, the growth substrate product comprises at least 90% by weight of man-made vitreous fibers, based on the weight of the total solid content of the growth substrate. One advantage of having such an amount of fibers in the growth substrate product is that a sufficient number of pores are formed between the fibers, allowing the growth substrate product to retain water and nutrients for cuttings while maintaining the ability for plant roots to penetrate the growth substrate product. The remaining solid content may consist primarily of binders and wetting agents.

[0032] The growth substrate product is in the form of a coherent mass, i.e., the growth substrate is typically a coherent matrix of man-made vitreous fibers and is manufactured as such, but can also be formed by granulating a slab of mineral wool and consolidating the granular material. The coherent mass is a single, integrated substrate.

[0033] The growth substrate product includes a cured binder composition, which is often an organic binder and is generally heat curable. Preferably, the growth substrate product includes 1-10 wt. % binder, based on the weight of the growth substrate product. More preferably, it includes 2-6 wt. % binder, and most preferably, it includes 3-5 wt. % binder.

[0034] The binder composition is a) a sugar component; b) A binder composition that preferably contains the reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and an alkanolamine component, and that before hardening contains at least 42% by weight of a sugar component based on the total weight (dry matter) of the binder components, can be used in the present invention. This binder has the advantage of being formaldehyde-free and economical to produce.

[0035] The binder can be an organic hydrophobic binder, in particular the conventional heat-curable (thermosetting) type binder that has been used for many years in MMVF substrates (and other MMVF-based products), which has the advantage of being convenient and economical. The binder is therefore preferably a phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin, in particular a phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) resin.

[0036] The binder may be a formaldehyde-free aqueous binder composition containing a binder component (A) obtained by reacting at least one alkanolamine with at least one carboxylic acid anhydride and optionally treating the reaction product with a base, and a binder component (B) containing at least one carbohydrate, as disclosed in WO 2004 / 007615. This type of binder is hydrophilic.

[0037] WO 97 / 07664 discloses a hydrophilic substrate which derives its hydrophilic properties from the use of a furan resin as a binder, and this type of binder can be used in the present invention.

[0038] WO07129202 discloses a curable hydrophilic aqueous composition, which comprises the following components: (a) a hydroxy-containing polymer; (b) a multifunctional crosslinker, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacids, their salts, and anhydrides; and (c) Hydrophilicity modifier wherein the ratio of (a):(b) is from 95:5 to about 35:65.

[0039] The hydrophilic modifier can be a sugar alcohol, a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, or an oligosaccharide. Examples given include glycerol, sorbitol, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, glucose syrup, and fructose syrup. Binders of this type can be used in the present invention.

[0040] The binder may be one of those described in WO2017 / 114724, in which the binder composition before curing comprises the following components: - a compound of the following formula and any salt thereof: [ka] (where R1 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, or amine) - a compound of the following formula and any salt thereof: [ka] (where R2 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, or amine) Component (i) in the form of one or more compounds selected from: component (ii) in the form of one or more compounds selected from ammonia, an amine, or any salt thereof; and component (iii) in the form of one or more carbohydrates.

[0041] The binder composition can be as described in WO2017 / 114723, and the binder composition before curing comprises the following components: - one or more carbohydrate components (i); - comprising component (ii) in the form of one or more compounds selected from sulfamic acid, derivatives of sulfamic acid, or any salt thereof.

[0042] The binder composition may comprise, before hardening, at least one hydrocolloid, preferably selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives (such as carboxymethylcellulose), arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, and β-glucan.

[0043] The growth substrate product may optionally include a wetting agent, which increases the amount of water that the growth substrate product can absorb. When a wetting agent is used in combination with a hydrophobic binder, it results in a hydrophilic growth substrate product. Therefore, when the binder is hydrophobic, it is preferred that the growth substrate product include a wetting agent.

[0044] The binder can be hydrophilic. A hydrophilic binder does not require as much wetting agent as a hydrophobic binder. However, wetting agents can be used in the present invention to increase the hydrophilicity of a hydrophilic binder, similar to its effect when combined with a hydrophobic binder. This means that the MMVF substrate will absorb a larger volume of water than if the wetting agent were not present.

[0045] Wetting agents can be cationic, anionic, or nonionic.

[0046] The growth substrate product may include a non-ionic wetting agent (such as Rewopal®).

[0047] The growth substrate product preferably includes an ionic surfactant, more preferably an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant wetting agent. The wetting agent can be an alkali metal alkyl ether sulfate or an ammonium alkyl ether sulfate. Preferably, the wetting agent is sodium alkyl ether sulfate. One commercially available alkyl ether sulfate surfactant wetting agent is Texapon®. The wetting agent can also be a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate anionic surfactant. These preferred wetting agents have been found to provide beneficial effects, particularly improved hydrophilicity of the binder system.

[0048] Some non-ionic wetting agents can wash off the MMVF substrate over time, so it is preferable to use ionic wetting agents, especially anionic wetting agents (such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonates or Texapon®), which do not wash off the MMVF substrate to the same extent.

[0049] Preferably, the growth substrate product comprises 0.01 to 1 wt. % of the wetting agent, preferably 0.05 to 0.5 wt. % of the wetting agent, more preferably 0.1 to 0.3 wt. % of the wetting agent.

[0050] The hydrophilicity of an MMVF substrate sample can be measured by determining the sample's settling time. A 100 x 100 x 65 mm MMVF substrate sample is required to determine the settling time. A container with a minimum size of 200 x 200 x 200 mm is filled with water. The settling time is the time from when the sample first contacts the water surface to when the test specimen completely sinks. When the sample is brought into contact with the water, a 100 x 100 mm cross section is first brought into contact with the water. The sample then needs to sink just over 65 mm to completely sink. The faster the sample sinks, the more hydrophilic it is. An MMVF substrate is considered hydrophilic if its settling time is less than 120 seconds. A settling time of less than 60 seconds is preferred. In practice, MMVF substrates can have settling times of several seconds (e.g., less than 10 seconds).

[0051] Growth substrate products are available in sizes from 3 to 300 cm 3 It is preferable that the volume is in the range of

[0052] The growth substrate product can have a size typical of the type of product commonly known as a plug. Preferably, the growth substrate product is cubic. Preferably, the growth substrate product has a height of 30-50 mm, a width of 30-50 mm, and a depth of 25-45 mm.

[0053] Alternatively, the growth substrate can be a plug of the type described in our publication WO 2010 / 003677 as the first coherent MMVF growth substrate. In this case, the volume of the growth substrate product is 10-40 cm. 3 It is most preferable that the range is:

[0054] In another embodiment, the growth substrate product is preferably a cube having dimensions of 4 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm. The product preferably has a liquid-impermeable plastic cover that covers only the perimeter of the sides, i.e., the bottom and top surfaces are uncovered.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the growth substrate product is preferably cylindrical, having a length of 50 mm and a diameter of 46 mm, or a length of 40 mm and a diameter of 36 mm, or a length of 27 mm and a diameter of 22 mm.

[0056] In the present invention, the term "height" refers to the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the substrate when it is in use. The top surface is the surface that faces upward when the product is in its intended use position, and the bottom surface is the surface that faces downward (and on which the product rests) when the product is in its intended use position. The term "length" refers to the longest distance between two sides of the substrate when it is in use, i.e., the distance from one end to the other. The term "width" refers to the distance between two sides perpendicular to the length. These terms have their ordinary meanings in the art.

[0057] In the method of the present invention, the growth substrate product is 60 kg / m3 to 70 kg / m 3 The inventors have surprisingly discovered that when the density is in this range, cutting root growth is improved and the number of cuttings that can progress to the next stage of growth is improved. In addition, the inventors have discovered that when the density of the growth substrate product is in this range, cannabis cuttings can be inserted directly into the substrate, thereby eliminating the need for seed holes, which leads to significant advantages as described below.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the density of the growth substrate is 65 kg / m 3 is.

[0059] In the method of the present invention, the cannabis cutting is inserted into the growth substrate at a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole. This means that the cutting is not inserted into the seed hole. It is not excluded that the growth substrate has a seed hole at a different position from where the cutting is inserted. However, it is preferred that the growth substrate does not have a seed hole.

[0060] The term seed hole has its usual meaning in the art and can also be referred to as a plant hole or depression. A seed hole is a depression in the top surface of a growth substrate into which a seed or cutting is placed. When a growth substrate is inserted into a position without a seed hole, it means that it is inserted into a position without any significant depression on the growth substrate, i.e., without any depression with a depth of more than 3 mm, more preferably more than 1 mm, and most preferably more than 0.5 mm.

[0061] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that when cannabis cuttings are inserted into a growth substrate in a location where there are no seed holes, root growth is improved and the number of cuttings that can proceed to the next growth stage is improved. Due to the density of the growth substrate of the present invention, cuttings can be inserted directly into the growth substrate, allowing for optimal root development. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the cuttings are better held within the growth substrate, thus allowing for more suitable growth conditions.

[0062] The method of the present invention involves inserting the cannabis cutting into a growth substrate. The MMVF growth substrate is porous and has a 60-70 kg / m 3 Because of the density of the growing substrate, cannabis cuttings can be inserted by simply pressing the cut end of the cutting into the top surface. This can be accomplished manually or by using automated equipment. Cuttings are preferably inserted 5-10 mm into the top surface of the growing substrate. Cuttings are preferably inserted in the center of the top surface. This ensures that the cuttings can develop roots at maximum length in all directions. Therefore, the cuttings make the most of the volume of the growing substrate.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the cut end of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone (eg, indole-3-butyric acid root hormone) before inserting the cutting into the growth substrate product.

[0064] In the method of the invention, the cannabis cutting in the growth substrate is supplied with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm. Preferably, the nutrient solution has an EC value of 1.8 to 2.2 mS / cm, most preferably 2.0 mS / cm.

[0065] EC values ​​can be measured according to ISO 78881985. EC (electrical conductivity) is measured by determining the resistance of a solution (nutrients and water in a substrate) between two or more electrodes separated by a fixed distance. EC can be measured using a moisture meter as described in WO2014122284.

[0066] The nutrient solution is preferably supplied using an EBB flood system, which is well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the growth substrate is placed on a bench or floor, the nutrient solution is poured in, and allowed to sit for 5-15 minutes before being drained. The EBB flood system works by temporarily "overfilling" (i.e., excess) the culture table with nutrient solution for a pre-calculated period, then returning the nutrient solution to a reservoir. The circulating nutrient solution is inspected, re-enriched, and then periodically pumped back into the culture table for reuse.

[0067] Preferably, the growth substrate product is first saturated with water and a nutrient solution with an EC value of 1.6-2.4 mS / cm. By saturated, we mean that the moisture content of the growth substrate product is close to 100%, i.e., 95-100%, meaning that the growth substrate is retaining the maximum amount of water possible. This can be achieved by immersing the growth substrate in a nutrient solution bath, in which the nutrient solution has an EC value of 1.6-2.4 mS / cm. Preferably, the growth substrate is immersed for 5-15 minutes. Alternatively, the growth substrate can be saturated using an ebb flood bench or bed.

[0068] The growth substrate product can be saturated before or after the cuttings are inserted. It is preferred to saturate the growth substrate product before inserting the cuttings.

[0069] After initial saturation, the growth substrate is preferably irrigated to maintain a moisture content in the range of 30-80% (expressed as a percentage of the total amount of water required to saturate the substrate).

[0070] It is best to wait as long as possible before watering the cutting to allow the roots to develop and seek out nutrients and water. To ensure the necessary amount of oxygen is achieved, it is not advisable to maintain the moisture content in the substrate at close to 100%. This will ensure that the roots do not become waterlogged and that root rot does not develop, leading to necrotic death of the plant.

[0071] It is recommended to water cannabis cuttings and their growing substrate products every 2 to 12 days with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm. In winter, it is possible to wait until the 12th day and then water once at the end of the growing period. In summer, when temperatures are high and sunlight is abundant, it is preferable to water more frequently.

[0072] Preferably, the substrate is irrigated three times, or two times, or one time during the method of the invention.

[0073] The growth substrate may contain further additives (controlled release fertilizers).

[0074] The present invention relates to the use of a coherent growth substrate for propagating cannabis cuttings, comprising the steps of: inserting said cannabis cuttings into said growth substrate in a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; - providing the cannabis cutting in the growth substrate with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm; the coherent growth substrate comprises man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a cured binder composition; and the growth substrate has a viscosity of 60 kg / m 3 ~70kg / m 3 Also disclosed are applications with densities in the range of .

[0075] This embodiment of the invention may have any of the additional features described above in relation to the method of the invention. [Example]

[0076] Experiment 1

[0077] A comparative experiment was designed to clarify the effect of inserting cannabis cuttings in positions where the growth substrate did not have seed holes.

[0078] 65kg / m 3 MMVF growth substrates with different densities were compared with and without seed / plant holes.

[0079] Two strains of cannabis were examined: Powerplant and Afghani.

[0080] First, cuttings were taken from the same mother plant for each strain. These cuttings were then inserted into the growth substrate. For growth substrates with seed / plant holes, the cuttings were inserted into the holes. For growth substrates without seed / plant holes, the cuttings were inserted on the top surface of the substrate.

[0081] The cuttings were supplied with a feed solution with an EC value of 2.4 mS / cm and a pH of 5.5.

[0082] Growth substrates were analyzed after 13 days and classified according to three options: □ Roots not visible = no roots □ 1 to 3 roots visible = root tip □ 3 or more roots = Ready

[0083] [Table 1]

[0084] After 13 days, for both strains of cannabis, the percentage of cuttings that were ready for the next stage was significantly greater in the substrate without seed / plant holes. Similarly, the number of cuttings that did not develop any roots was significantly greater in the growth substrate with seed / plant holes. Thus, the data indicate that the effect of not having seed / plant holes is an improvement in root development and the number of cuttings that are able to proceed to the next growth stage.

[0085] Experiment 2

[0086] Design one experiment and set the pressure at 60-70 kg / m 3 We investigated the effect of having densities in the range of

[0087] 65kg / m 3 The MMVF growth substrate (GC65) with a density of 75 kg / m 3 This was compared with an MMVF growth substrate ("GC75") with a density of 1000 nm.

[0088] The results are shown in Figures 1A-1D. Figures 1A and 1B show the results after 10 days, and Figures 1C and 1D show the results after 14 days. Growth substrates were sorted after 10 and 14 days according to the following criteria: □ Roots not visible = no roots □ 1 to 3 roots visible = root tip □Three or more roots = root system

[0089] 65kg / m 3 The growth substrate of the present invention with a density of 100 mg / kg had a higher percentage of cuttings with root systems and root tips after 10 days. The same was true after 14 days.

[0090] Therefore, the data is 60-70 kg / m 3 These results show that the effect of density in the range of 100-150 mm is to improve root growth and the number of cuttings that can proceed to the next growth stage.

[0091] Experiment 3

[0092] An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different nutrient solutions. Three solutions were tested: EC=1.5; EC=2.0; EC=2.5 mS / cm.

[0093] The cuttings were inserted into a growth substrate with a density of 65 kg / m. The cuttings were first immersed in rooting hormone (Clonex® IBA Gel 0.3%) before being inserted into the substrate. The substrates were irrigated with different solutions (EC 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mS / cm) on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, and artificial light was provided for 18 hours per day.

[0094] The substrates were analyzed after 10, 12, and 14 days, and the results are shown in Figures 2-4. Figures 2A-C show the results after 10 days; Figures 3A-C show the results after 12 days; and Figures 4A-C show the results after 14 days.

[0095] Growth substrates were categorized after 10, 12, and 14 days as follows: □ Roots not visible = no roots □ 1 to 3 roots visible = root tip □Three or more roots = root system

[0096] From the results in Figures 2 to 4, it can be seen that the growth substrate supplied with nutrient solution with EC = 2.0 mS / cm had the largest proportion of root system and root tip after each stage.

[0097] Thus, the data indicate that the effect of EC values ​​between 1.6 and 2.4 mS / cm is improved root development and the number of cuttings that can progress to the next growth stage.

Claims

1. 1. A method of propagating cannabis cuttings, comprising: providing a coherent growth substrate comprising man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a cured binder composition, wherein the growth substrate has a tensile strength of 60 kg / m 3 ~70 kg / m 3 having a density in the range of inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate at a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; providing said cannabis cutting in said growth substrate with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm.

2. The binder composition is a) a sugar component; b) comprising the reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and an alkanolamine component; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder composition before hardening contains at least 42% by weight of the sugar component, based on the total weight (dry matter) of the binder components.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, which lasts for 2 to 3 weeks.

4. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, which lasts for less than two weeks.

5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cannabis cutting inserted into the growth substrate is 10 to 14 days old when cut from a mother plant.

6. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cannabis cutting inserted into the growth substrate has a length of 8 to 15 cm.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the cannabis cutting inserted into the growth substrate has a length of 10 to 12 cm.

8. 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cannabis cuttings inserted into the growth substrate have a stem diameter of between 3 and 8 mm.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cannabis cutting inserted into the growth substrate has a stem diameter of 5 mm.

10. 10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cannabis cutting is inserted into the growth substrate product such that the cutting is located 5 to 10 mm below the top surface.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the growth substrate is cubic in shape.

12. The growth substrate is 65 kg / m 3 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the granules have a density of

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm is provided twice.

14. 14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the additional step of saturating the growth substrate with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the additional step occurs before inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein after the additional step of saturating the growth substrate product, the moisture content of the growth substrate product is maintained at 30-80%.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the growth substrate product comprises an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant anionic surfactant wetting agent.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the growth substrate does not contain seed holes.

19. 1. Use of a coherent growth substrate for growing cannabis cuttings, comprising: inserting the cannabis cutting into the growth substrate at a position where the growth substrate does not have a seed hole; providing said cannabis cutting in said growth substrate with a nutrient solution having an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.6 to 2.4 mS / cm; the coherent growth substrate comprises man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) bonded to a cured binder composition; and the growth substrate has a viscosity of 60 kg / m 3 ~70 kg / m 3 Utilization, with densities ranging from.

20. Use according to claim 19, containing any of the additional features of claims 2 to 18.

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