Cannabis Crossed With Strawberry Plants And Drone Monitoring: The Science Of Innovative Grafting

"We don't produce seeds to sell. We want to raise the bar, and we want everyone to access this knowledge," says Iván, founder of Huerta del Diablo. Describing his vision for cannabis genetics, Iván and his SuperCannabis project are leading a revolution in cannabis science, blending technology and education to open doors for cultivators of all levels. His mission is centered on democratizing access to advanced techniques like polypoidy and grafting, improving cannabis quality, and empowering cultivators worldwide.

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A Global Educational Project For The Cannabis Community

Huerta del Diablo is a non-commercial seed bank. With an educational vision, Iván founded SuperCannabis to create an open community where cultivators can experiment, learn and refine their techniques. "The idea is for cultivators everywhere to join, learn and experiment so we can all grow together," he explains. The mission resonates globally, where cannabis is finding its place in society and new markets are exploring sustainable production techniques.

Through SuperCannabis, Iván and his team share genetic experiments like grafting and polypoidy techniques, methods often used with fruits and vegetables that can double chromosomes, creating more resilient plants. While polypoidy is not yet standard in cannabis cultivation in Iván’s home country Argentina, due to legal restrictions, he believes it could significantly improve production and resilience in countries where cannabis research is permitted.

"Polypoidy is a technique that allows us to double chromosomes and produce plants that are stronger and more productive. We want Argentina to lead in these kinds of innovations," Iván shares, revealing his vision of positioning his country as a global player at the forefront of cannabis genetics.

Innovation Through Advanced Technology

In addition to genetics, Iván integrates advanced technology in cultivation processes. In his lab, drones, specialized lighting systems and time-lapse recording are used to monitor plant growth under different conditions. These tools reveal the effects of varying light exposures, which is crucial for optimizing plant development.

"We're experimenting with nighttime lighting and recording time-lapses to study growth," Iván explains, aiming for these techniques to be accessible to both hobbyists and professionals. For example, his team uses a 13-hour light and 11-hour dark cycle instead of the traditional 12/12, discovering up to 30% higher yields in certain strains. This type of scientific innovation exemplifies how cultivation methods can be enhanced through applied science and creativity, inspiring cultivators worldwide.

The Grafting Contest: A Genetic Adventure for All

Education is central to Iván's mission and one of his most creative initiatives is SuperCannabis' grafting contest. This project invites cultivators to combine cannabis plants with other species, such as strawberries or hops, to explore new genetic traits. "We want to see what cultivators can do at home, how they can experiment and share their achievements," says Iván. This experimental approach breaks through knowledge barriers, encouraging creativity and ingenuity in cannabis cultivation and challenging the limits of genetics in ways that cultivators of all experience levels can try.

The contest has generated significant interest, with participants documenting their progress on the platform to record grafting results. Besides contributing to collective knowledge, this activity promotes creativity in cannabis cultivation, encouraging home growers to innovate, especially in regions where resources for formal cannabis research may be limited.

Global Race In Cannabis Genetics

Iván sees knowledge in genetics and cultivation as a competitive advantage that emerging markets can develop on the international stage. "There's vast field knowledge here, and if we can combine it with science and technology, we can surpass markets like California," he says confidently. This ambition is a call for cultivators and scientists alike to engage in genetic improvement, setting higher standards for the industry and strengthening global cannabis research networks.

Legal and regulatory challenges remain, however. Iván points out obstacles to registering new genetics and regulatory uncertainty facing the industry in Argentina. This situation reflects a common challenge in emerging markets, where partial legalization or unclear regulations hinder innovation. "Progress is slow, but our knowledge keeps growing. If we can't export flowers or seeds, we'll export knowledge," Iván says. This philosophy is shared across countries with similar regulatory challenges, highlighting education and knowledge exchange as tools to overcome these hurdles.

Iván concludes with a message to the global cannabis community. "Don't stop experimenting, don't stop learning, and, above all, don't let anyone tell you what to do with your plants." His commitment to innovation, education and freedom in cannabis cultivation is inspiring cultivators everywhere, championing both technical knowledge and creative independence in cannabis development.