Method for large-scale production of cannabis sp. seedlings using the mini-cuttings technique

Abstract

The present invention describes a method for the large-scale production of Cannabis sp. seedlings using the mini-cuttings technique. The process involves establishing a clonal mini-garden with super-dense planting of mini-stock plants trained in a "cup" form, optimizing use of the available space and significantly increasing productivity per unit area. An inert substrate is used, such as sand and expanded perlite, although variations such as vermiculite, carbonized rice husk, or coconut fiber can be employed without compromising efficiency. Environmental control is automated, ensuring ideal conditions of temperature, humidity, and photoperiod, maintained by means of artificial lighting, such as full-spectrum LED lamps operating for at least 18 hours per day to keep the plants in a continuous vegetative state. The invention offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, genetic quality, sustainability, and reduction of operating costs, meeting the demands of the medicinal and industrial markets for high-quality Cannabis sp. products. By enabling the accelerated production of uniform clonal seedlings, the method has the potential to revolutionize cannabis cultivation practices.

Description

Large-scale production method for Cannabis sp. seedlings using the mini-cutting technique.

[0001] This patent application introduces a new method for the large-scale production of Cannabis seedlings using the mini-cutting technique, aiming to increase production efficiency and ensure the genetic uniformity of the plants. The methodology is based on the use of a clonal mini-garden, characterized by super-dense planting and specialized management of the mini-cuttings under controlled conditions, optimizing the use of available space. This system includes automated environmental control and full-spectrum artificial lighting, ensuring ideal conditions for plant development and prolonging the vegetative state. With the capacity to produce tens of thousands of high-quality seedlings monthly in a compact space, this technique has the potential to transform the legal Cannabis market, meeting the growing demand from the medicinal and industrial sectors for high-quality products, promoting sustainable and highly efficient cultivation practices. Description of the prior art:

[0002] Cannabis sativa, popularly known as cannabis, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family, which also includes hops. Historically, cannabis has played a significant role in various cultures around the world, being used for medicinal, religious, recreational, and industrial purposes. Archaeological evidence indicates that its use dates back more than 5,000 years, with records of cultivation in Central Asia and subsequent spread to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In ancient China, it was used in the production of fabrics, ropes, and paper, thanks to the strength and versatility of its fibers. Furthermore, ancient medical texts mention its use in relieving pain and treating various ailments.

[0003] The medicinal and pharmacological potential of cannabis has been the subject of intense research in recent decades. The plant contains more than 100 identified cannabinoids, the main ones being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, but it also has analgesic, antiemetic, and appetite-stimulating properties. CBD, in turn, does not have psychoactive effects and demonstrates therapeutic potential as an anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of conditions such as refractory epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, research suggests potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and in psychiatric disorders.

[0004] Currently, the use of cannabis and its derivatives is regulated in varying ways around the world. In countries like Canada, Uruguay, and some states in the United States, cannabis is legalized for both medicinal and recreational purposes. In the European Union, medicinal use is permitted in several countries, although specific regulations vary. In Brazil, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) authorizes the importation of cannabis-based products for medicinal use with a medical prescription, but the cultivation of the plant for medicinal purposes still faces significant legal restrictions. The debate on the legalization and regulation of cannabis cultivation and use continues to evolve, influenced by new scientific evidence and changes in social perceptions.

[0005] Cannabis cultivation is currently carried out using different methods, which vary according to purpose and legal restrictions. Outdoor cultivation takes advantage of natural sunlight and is common in regions with suitable climates, but is subject to environmental variables and risks such as pests and contamination. Greenhouse cultivation allows greater control over the environment, combining natural and artificial light, as well as protection against adverse weather conditions. Indoor cultivation offers maximum control over all environmental aspects, including lighting, temperature, humidity, and nutrients, enabling the production of plants with specific characteristics and a high concentration of cannabinoids. Reproduction can be done by seeds, resulting in greater genetic variability, or by cloning, which uses cuttings to produce plants genetically identical to the mother plant.

[0006] Propagation by cuttings is a vegetative propagation technique that consists of producing new plants from segments of a mother plant, such as branches, leaves, or roots. This method allows the cloning of individuals, preserving specific genetic characteristics, which is particularly important in crops seeking uniformity and maintenance of desirable qualities. In monoclonal plantings, cuttings are widely used to ensure that all plants in the crop have the same properties, facilitating management and standardizing production. Cloning by cuttings is a common practice to perpetuate genotypes with specific cannabinoid profiles or other agronomic characteristics of interest.

[0007] Mini-cuttings, in turn, are a variation of traditional cuttings that uses smaller, younger segments of the plant, usually herbaceous shoots with active buds. This method offers several advantages, such as greater efficiency in the use of genetic material, a higher rooting rate, and a reduction in the time required to produce seedlings ready for planting. The mini-cutting process involves collecting tender shoots, reducing the leaf area to minimize water loss through transpiration, and rooting them in suitable substrates under controlled environmental conditions. Factors such as high relative humidity, adequate temperature, and controlled lighting are essential for the successful rooting and development of the mini-cuttings.

[0008] Mini-cuttings have been successfully used in various agricultural and forestry crops. In forestry, for example, it is applied to the propagation of species such as eucalyptus and pine, allowing for the large-scale production of clonal seedlings with a high degree of genetic and phenotypic uniformity. In agriculture, crops such as sugarcane and yerba mate also benefit from this technique for the rapid multiplication of superior genotypes. Despite the widespread use of mini-cuttings in other crops, to date, there are no records of its application in the propagation of cannabis. The absence of established protocols for cannabis represents an opportunity for innovation, considering the potential for adapting the technique to the specific needs of the plant.

[0009] The introduction of mini-cuttings in cannabis propagation can bring significant benefits and revolutionize current cultivation practices. By allowing the efficient cloning of selected genotypes, the technique ensures the genetic uniformity necessary for the production of standardized medicinal products. Furthermore, mini-cuttings can increase productivity per area, as they allow for super-dense cultivation of mother plants, optimizing the use of limited spaces. The reduction in seedling production time and the possibility of controlling critical environmental factors contribute to the efficiency of the process and the quality of the plants produced.

[0010] However, the application of mini-cuttings in cannabis requires specific adaptations, considering aspects such as the plant's sensitivity to photoperiod and its particular physiological characteristics. Cannabis is a short-day plant, meaning its flowering is induced by reduced periods of illumination. Therefore, to maintain the mother plants in a continuous vegetative state, precise control of lighting is necessary, generally extending the photoperiod through artificial lighting. Furthermore, the rooting environment of the mini-cuttings must be carefully controlled, paying attention to humidity, temperature, and substrate quality, to ensure high rooting rates and healthy seedling development.

[0011] The implementation of mini-cuttings in cannabis production can contribute to overcoming current challenges in cultivating the plant. The technique can reduce dependence on seeds, which exhibit genetic variability and can result in plants with undesirable characteristics. Furthermore, mini-cuttings allow for the rapid multiplication of superior genotypes, accelerating the breeding and selection process of varieties. In a market that demands high-quality and standardized products, especially in the medicinal sector, the ability to efficiently produce clonal seedlings is a significant advantage.

[0012] It was in this context that the present invention was developed, aiming to implement super-dense planting combined with specialized management of mini-stumps of cannabis, maximizing the use of available space in an unprecedented way. In fact, no technique known until now has been able to achieve such a level of efficiency and optimization as will be demonstrated here. This premise is supported by the following search and analysis carried out in the state of the art, which describes the inventions most closely related, namely:

[0013] BR112022003094 describes a method for the in vitro photoautotrophic propagation of Cannabis sp. plants, designed to promote the growth of plant tissues into propagules using a photoautotrophic gel. Specifically, the propagation system includes a sterile growing vessel equipped with a vented lid that allows passive gas diffusion. The process begins with one or more rooted sterile explants, which are grown in a larger container with a vented lid under photoautotrophic conditions that simulate the ex vitro growth environment. These nodal explants can subsequently be rooted in agar gel suitable for photoautotrophic rooting in containers with vented lids and then transferred to a substrate of choice for mature ex vitro growth.

[0014] WO2021136781 relates to a method of propagating Cannabis sp. cuttings, comprising the following steps: providing a coherent growing substrate composed of artificial vitreous mineral fibers bonded with a cured binder composition; inserting cannabis cuttings into the growing substrate in a location where the substrate does not have a seed hole; and providing a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity (EC) value between 1.6 and 2.4 mS / cm to the cannabis cutting in the substrate.

[0015] CN102919044A presents an industrial method for propagating cannabis cuttings, belonging to the field of hemp cultivation and breeding technology. It claims to cultivate cuttings under ideal temperature conditions, with intensified fertilization and water management to stimulate growth. Plants are pruned when they reach 1 meter in height, promoting 20 cm branching, the tips of which are removed to obtain suitable cuttings. The substrate is prepared with enriched soil, perlite or vermiculite and peat, disinfected with a high-concentration fungicide. This method allows obtaining 50 to 100 seedlings from a single plant in 90 to 120 days.

[0016] From reading and understanding the state of the art, it is evident that the techniques described in the aforementioned patents differ significantly from the methods and approaches for Cannabis propagation of the present invention. Patent BR112022003094 deals with in vitro photoautotrophic propagation, using sterile culture vessels with photoautotrophic gel and ventilated lids for gas diffusion, requiring laboratory conditions and specialized handling. Patent WO2021136781 focuses on the use of a specific substrate of artificial vitreous fibers (MMVF) with cured binder and controlled density, in addition to providing a nutrient solution with specific electrical conductivity. Patent CN102919044A describes a traditional cutting method with low planting density, longer production cycles, and manual environmental control, contrasting with super-dense planting. Brief description of the objectives

[0017] It is therefore clear that no other process has managed to combine the techniques of mini-cutting and plant management for cannabis in a way that provides the level of productivity per area, faster propagation cycles, and seedlings with high genetic uniformity, as claimed by us. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for specialized substrates or long propagation periods, the present invention offers a more efficient, scalable, and practical method for the large-scale production of Cannabis sp. seedlings, demonstrating its inventive step. In this context, the synthesis of the objectives focuses on increasing the efficiency in the production of high-quality genetic seedlings, ensuring uniformity and maximizing the use of limited spaces in an unprecedented way. The details of the process can be better understood by the following detailed description in accordance with the attached figure, where:

[0018] Figure 1 refers to an image that reveals the various stages of the Cannabis seedling production process using the mini-cutting technique. Initially, a clonal mini-garden is observed (1 and 2), where the plants are arranged in a controlled environment, with an irrigation system and specialized management. Next, the process of collecting the mini-cuttings is shown, which are carefully cut (3) and prepared (4 and 5) to be inserted into substrate tubes (6 and 7), where the substrate trays (8) are organized and ready to receive the cuttings, which are returned for planting after a certain time and size (9). Detailed description of the technology:

[0019] The large-scale production method for Cannabis sp. seedlings using the mini-cutting technique, as described, was conceived to increase the efficiency in the clonal propagation of plants with high genetic quality, ensuring uniformity and maximizing the use of limited spaces. The proposed technique offers significant advantages, such as accelerating the production cycle, reducing operational costs, and increasing control over the final quality of the plants. Given the growing demand in the medicinal and industrial markets, this innovation can substantially contribute to expanding the productive and commercial capacity of cannabis in countries with consolidated regulations.

[0020] Although mini-cutting is an established technique in other crops, adapting this methodology for the production of cannabis seedlings involved significant modifications that differentiate it from previous practices. One of the main innovations is the incorporation of controlled artificial lighting during the process. Cannabis, being a plant sensitive to photoperiods and with specific physiological characteristics, requires precise light conditions to ensure proper rooting and seedling development. Adapting the lighting regime is crucial to enable large-scale production and ensure the quality of cloned plants.

[0021] The process begins with the creation of a clonal mini-garden, which serves as a source of shoots for the propagation of seedlings. The mini-garden is established on beds filled with inert materials, such as sand and expanded perlite, providing a suitable environment for plant development. The dimensions of the beds may vary according to production needs, but they are generally 100 cm wide, allowing for the quantification of the cultivation area. The genetic materials to be reproduced are planted in these beds, and may originate from seeds or propagules of previously selected plants.

[0022] Since the establishment of the clonal mini-garden, a super-dense planting system has been used, with a density of at least 60 mini-stumps per square meter. This density optimizes the cultivation area, significantly increasing the productive capacity per area. The mother plants are managed to acquire a "cup" shape, which favors the production of shoots. In addition, strategic pruning is carried out to stimulate bud sprouting at the base, keeping the mini-stumps at a reduced height, essential for the effectiveness of super-dense cultivation.

[0023] The growing environment is controlled by an automated system that provides precise control of factors such as temperature, humidity, and photoperiod. LED lamps are used, emitting cool white light with wavelengths predominantly in the blue and green ranges (450 to 570 nanometers). Alternatively, full-spectrum lamps can be used, emitting light across a wide range of wavelengths, simulating natural sunlight and encompassing violet to red (400 to 700 nanometers). These lighting conditions are maintained for at least 18 hours a day, ensuring that the mini-cuttings remain in a constant vegetative state, controlled by the photoperiod.

[0024] The automated system also ensures that the ambient temperature remains below critical levels. When sensors register temperatures above 35°C, the system automatically opens the structure, closing it again when the temperature reaches 28°C. This thermal control is fundamental for the healthy development of the plants and is carried out automatically throughout the day.

[0025] Seven days after planting the mother plants, they begin to produce viable shoots that can be used as mini-cuttings. The shoots should have at least one pair of fully developed leaves. At the time of harvesting the mini-cuttings, the leaf area is reduced to decrease evapotranspiration, preserving the vitality of the propagative material.

[0026] With adjusted nutritional management, using drip fertigation, the mini-cuttings reach full production after 30 days. The average productivity reaches 58 mini-cuttings per month per mini-cutting. Considering a density of 60 mini-cuttings per square meter, production reaches 3,480 mini-cuttings per square meter of mini-garden monthly. In a bed measuring 20 meters long by 1 meter wide, the monthly production potential reaches 69,600 mini-cuttings, representing a level of productivity per area superior to conventional methods disclosed to date.

[0027] The harvested mini-cuttings are immediately planted in tubes filled with suitable commercial substrate. The tubes can be made of plastic or biodegradable material, such as paper. The use of biodegradable tubes offers advantages, such as reduced plastic use and the possibility of transplanting seedlings without removing them from the container, minimizing stress on the plants and facilitating the planting process.

[0028] After planting in the tubes, the mini-cuttings are transferred to a greenhouse for a period of 15 days. In this environment, they are subjected to controlled conditions of reduced light, temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, and relative humidity above 80%. These parameters are essential to promote the rooting of the mini-cuttings and ensure their healthy development during this initial stage. Roots begin to form around the ninth day, and at the end of the greenhouse period, the mini-cuttings have a well-developed root system, ready for transplantation to their final location.

[0029] This innovative method of producing Cannabis sp. seedlings through mini-cuttings offers significant advantages over traditional methods. The combination of super-dense planting, precise management of environmental conditions, and the use of automated technologies results in highly efficient large-scale production. Genetic uniformity and seedling quality are ensured, meeting the demands of sectors requiring rigorous quality control.

[0030] In other words, the implementation of this technique has the potential to positively impact the cannabis industry, especially in the medicinal and industrial segments. By providing an effective method for large-scale clonal propagation, the invention contributes to increasing the availability of high-quality raw materials. Furthermore, reduced operational costs and optimized use of cultivation space can result in more affordable and competitive products on the market.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention is susceptible to various operational variations and constructive variants, characteristics common in production processes involving agricultural and biotechnological techniques. The mini-cutting method for the production of Cannabis sp. seedlings can be adapted to meet different production needs, environmental conditions, or technological advances, without altering the essence of the invention.

[0032] Regarding possible operational variations, the substrate used in clonal mini-gardens can be modified according to the availability of materials or the grower's preferences. Although sand and expanded perlite are ideal inert materials, it is feasible to replace or supplement them with other substrates, such as vermiculite, carbonized rice husk, coconut fiber, or specific mixtures, without compromising the efficiency of the sprouting process.

[0033] The shape and size of clonal beds can also vary depending on the available area or the desired production volume. The flexibility in bed sizing allows the method to be applied at different scales, from small operations to large commercial facilities.

[0034] Regarding the tubes used for rooting mini-cuttings, although biodegradable tubes are an environmentally responsible option, they can be replaced with recyclable plastic tubes or other suitable containers that promote effective root development. The size of the tubes can be adjusted according to the stage of plant development or the grower's preferences, while maintaining the principles of healthy growth and the possibility of direct transplanting.

[0035] Photoperiod control, fundamental for maintaining plants in a vegetative state, can be adapted by varying the type of artificial lighting used. LED, fluorescent, or halogen lamps can be employed, adjusting the light intensity and spectrum according to the specific needs of the crop. The lighting system configuration can be optimized to reduce energy consumption or adapted to particular climatic conditions, without affecting the result in the production of mini-cuttings.

[0036] The environmental conditions of the greenhouse, such as humidity, temperature, and light, can be adjusted according to the season, geographic location, or genetic characteristics of the Cannabis spp. varieties being cultivated. Changes in the duration of the rooting period or in light intensity can be made to meet the specific requirements of each clone or target market.

[0037] The time the mini-cuttings remain in the greenhouse, initially planned for 15 days, can be adjusted according to the observed root development or prevailing climatic conditions. In certain situations, it may be necessary to extend or reduce this period to ensure that the seedlings are adequately rooted and ready for transplanting.

[0038] Regarding construction variations, the automated structure used for environmental control can have different configurations. The size, construction materials, and components used to regulate temperature, humidity, and photoperiod can be modified to meet specific operational needs, while maintaining the basic principle of automation for environmental control.

[0039] The irrigation system used in both the clonal mini-garden and the greenhouse can vary between automated or manual systems, including drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, or even hydroponic techniques. The management of mother plants in the clonal mini-garden can be adjusted according to the grower's preferences or the genetic characteristics of the cultivated varieties. Although the "cup" training system is recommended to maximize bud production, other training methods, such as trellis training, can be explored, adapting to the type of Cannabis sp. variety and the available space.

[0040] These variations and adaptations demonstrate the flexibility and robustness of the proposed method, allowing the invention to be applied in different contexts and scales without losing its effectiveness in the large-scale production of high-quality clonal seedlings. The ability to adjust the process to the specific needs of each production operation expands the potential for adoption of the technique, contributing to the evolution of Cannabis spp. cultivation practices and meeting the growing demands of the medicinal and industrial markets.

Claims

LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, characterized by encompassing the following steps: • establishing a clonal mini-garden with super-dense planting of Cannabis sp. mini-stumps in an inert substrate, with a density of approximately 60 mini-stumps per square meter; • managing the mini-stumps in a "cup" shape to increase planting density without loss of productivity; • controlling the environment of the clonal mini-garden through an automated system, maintaining ideal temperature, humidity, and photoperiod conditions, using artificial lighting with an appropriate spectrum maintained for at least 18 hours a day; • collecting mini-cuttings from the shoots after an adequate growth period, reducing the leaf area to minimize evapotranspiration; • planting the mini-cuttings in tubes filled with appropriate substrate, the tubes being biodegradable or made of material suitable for root development;• Transfer the mini-cuttings to a greenhouse with controlled environmental conditions of humidity above 80%, temperature between 25°C and 35°C, and reduced light, favoring rooting; • Keep the mini-cuttings in the greenhouse for a period sufficient for adequate root development, without the need for a hardening-off period; • Transplant the rooted seedlings to their final growing location. LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, according to claim 1, characterized by the inert substrate used in the clonal mini-garden being selected from sand, expanded perlite, vermiculite, carbonized rice husk, coconut fiber or mixtures of these materials. LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, according to claim 1, characterized by the size and shape of the beds of the clonal mini-garden being adjustable according to the available area and the desired production volume. LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, according to claim 1, characterized by automated environmental control that automatically adjusts the opening and closing of the clonal mini-garden structure in response to temperature variations, maintaining the internal temperature below 35°C. LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, according to claim 1, characterized by the time the mini-cuttings remain in the greenhouse being adjustable according to root development or climatic conditions, and may be longer or shorter than 15 days. LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION METHOD FOR CANNABIS SP. SEEDLINGS BY MINI-CUTTINGS, according to claim 1, characterized by allowing the monthly production of at least 3,000 mini-cuttings per square meter of clonal mini-garden.