New Growing Method Skips Weed Vegetative Stage, Slashing Electricity And HVAC Costs, Preserving Yield And Quality

Fluence and Innexo BV have announced research that could revolutionize cannabis cultivation, proposing to eliminate the vegetative phase and potentially cut electricity costs by up to 55%. This approach promises significant energy savings and aims to improve quality and consistency for growers worldwide.

A Shift Towards Efficiency

The partnership between Fluence, a leader in energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, and Innexo, a Dutch research organization specializing in agricultural innovations, has focused on the feasibility of cultivating cannabis directly in its flowering stage.

This method, bypassing the vegetative phase typically required for plant development, could redefine cultivation strategies, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective model.

In a press release procured by Benzinga Cannabis, Dominique van Gruisen, Innexo’s managing director, stressed the alignment of both organizations in their commitment to groundbreaking cannabis research.

“At Innexo, we use our deep knowledge of cannabis cultivars and best propagation practices to help growers create the most efficient cultivation strategies possible,” van Gruisen said. “We naturally gravitate toward partners like Fluence who can match our expertise and commitment to investing in innovative and impactful cannabis research.”

The initial phase of their research has already shown promising results, with potential reductions in electrical and labor costs by 40% and a decrease in pest and disease development due to the shortened growth cycle.

Transforming Cultivation Practices

Traditionally, cannabis plants undergo a vegetative stage lasting up to four weeks, consuming significant resources. However, Fluence and Innexo’s approach accelerates the process by transitioning plants directly to the flowering stage, significantly cutting down on electricity and HVAC costs.

This method not only achieves energy efficiency but also maintains crop yield and quality.

Dr. David Hawley, principal scientist at Fluence emphasized the importance of advanced lighting fixtures and strategies in this innovative cultivation method.

“Proper lighting—which must include a strong combination of advanced fixtures and lighting strategy—plays a critical role in creating a more efficient and profitable methodology for cannabis cultivation,” Dr. Hawley said.

“At Fluence, we create value for growers throughout the world by investing in research that will expand the horizons of traditional cultivation,” added Sebastian Olschowski, research project manager for EMEA at Fluence. "As plant lighting specialists, we are proud to be part of this project to shape the future of cannabis research and transfer valuable knowledge to our customers and partners.”

Future Horizons

The collaboration has already expanded to include three of Innexo’s Acceleration Platform for Innovation programs, underscoring the potential for this research to benefit small-scale companies and the broader cannabis industry.

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