the truth about trichomes.

[itchybro]

you guys aware there are a few different types of trichomes yeah
& why a plants health is so important , much more important than which bottles of nutrient to use
https://trichomeanalytical.com/the-role-of-trichomes-in-cannabis-and-nature/

Trichomes are kind of a big deal around here. So much so that we named our lab after them. But what are they exactly? And what specifically are cannabis trichomes?

Simply put, trichomes are the tiny hairs or miniscule glands that are found on the leaves and other epidermal surfaces of plants. They are epidermal cells that are either unicellular or multicellular.

The term originates from the Greek word “trichoma,” which refers to hair growth. One function of trichomes is to protect plants from invasive insects, fungi and larger animals, such as rodents. The presence of the wet and sticky trichomes in plants serves as an effective deterrent to predators, regardless of whether they are herbivores or omnivores.

Some of the trichomes present on cannabis plants have even been found to be toxic to some insects. The protective natural shield also helps the plants stay healthy when exposed to harsh weather conditions and intense ultraviolet rays that could cause harm or mutation.

Trichomes are especially important for cannabis growers because they determine when it is time to harvest. A mix of cloudy and amber-colored trichomes indicates that the time is right to collect the flowers. When the trichomes get darker and become brownish in color, the cannabis buds are past their peak and need to be harvested quickly to avoid any drop in potency.

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes​

There are two main types of trichomes in cannabis: glandular and non-glandular. Non-glandular appear in young plants, can be unicellular or multicellular, and look similar to hairs. They are found on branches, leaves and petioles. Non-glandular trichomes do not produce cannabinoids or terpenes. Their main roles are to block damaging ultraviolet light, store moisture, protect the plant from insects/pests and help prevent fungal infection.

Glandular trichomes can be unicellular and multicellular, and some produce cannabinoids and terpenes. There are three types of glandular trichomes:

Bulbous Trichomes

Clocking in at just 15-30 micrometers (a human hair is about 75 micrometers), the bulbous trichome is the smallest trichome found on marijuana. It is so tiny that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. Bulbous trichomes consist of a resin-secreting gland that sits on a short supporting stalk. As it swells, the trichome sometimes forms a small bulbous protrusion on the top of the membrane. Bulbous trichomes can synthesize both cannabinoids and terpenes.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

Capitate-sessile trichomes are slightly larger glands (25-100 micrometers) that cover cannabis plants more densely than bulbous trichomes. These are the second most common form of trichome, as they occur on stems, leaves and bracts (modified or specialized leaves found above the leaves but below the flower). Capitate-sessile trichomes produce significant amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes throughout the entire life cycle of the plant, but at lower levels than the next type of trichomes: capitate-stalked trichomes.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant trichomes on cannabis plants. They are packed with oils and produce copious amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Capitate-stalked trichomes are also the largest glandular trichomes, growing as big as 150-500 micrometers. Capitate-stalked trichomes consist of a stalk and a waxy head that are visible to the naked eye. They begin to grow during the flowering phase and completely coat the area in and around the protective outer layer of small leaves that surround buds as they develop.

Essential in Cannabis and in Nature​

Cannabis trichomes not only protect cannabis plants from insects, animals and disease, they also manage to facilitate the production of hundreds of compounds that make the cannabis plant as dynamic and nuanced as it is. Often overlooked, they truly are a remarkable aspect of an extraordinary plant.

 

[Old Ant]

you guys aware there are a few different types of trichomes yeah
& why a plants health is so important , much more important than which bottles of nutrient to use
https://trichomeanalytical.com/the-role-of-trichomes-in-cannabis-and-nature/

Trichomes are kind of a big deal around here. So much so that we named our lab after them. But what are they exactly? And what specifically are cannabis trichomes?

Simply put, trichomes are the tiny hairs or miniscule glands that are found on the leaves and other epidermal surfaces of plants. They are epidermal cells that are either unicellular or multicellular.

The term originates from the Greek word “trichoma,” which refers to hair growth. One function of trichomes is to protect plants from invasive insects, fungi and larger animals, such as rodents. The presence of the wet and sticky trichomes in plants serves as an effective deterrent to predators, regardless of whether they are herbivores or omnivores.

Some of the trichomes present on cannabis plants have even been found to be toxic to some insects. The protective natural shield also helps the plants stay healthy when exposed to harsh weather conditions and intense ultraviolet rays that could cause harm or mutation.

Trichomes are especially important for cannabis growers because they determine when it is time to harvest. A mix of cloudy and amber-colored trichomes indicates that the time is right to collect the flowers. When the trichomes get darker and become brownish in color, the cannabis buds are past their peak and need to be harvested quickly to avoid any drop in potency.

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes​

There are two main types of trichomes in cannabis: glandular and non-glandular. Non-glandular appear in young plants, can be unicellular or multicellular, and look similar to hairs. They are found on branches, leaves and petioles. Non-glandular trichomes do not produce cannabinoids or terpenes. Their main roles are to block damaging ultraviolet light, store moisture, protect the plant from insects/pests and help prevent fungal infection.

Glandular trichomes can be unicellular and multicellular, and some produce cannabinoids and terpenes. There are three types of glandular trichomes:

Bulbous Trichomes

Clocking in at just 15-30 micrometers (a human hair is about 75 micrometers), the bulbous trichome is the smallest trichome found on marijuana. It is so tiny that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. Bulbous trichomes consist of a resin-secreting gland that sits on a short supporting stalk. As it swells, the trichome sometimes forms a small bulbous protrusion on the top of the membrane. Bulbous trichomes can synthesize both cannabinoids and terpenes.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

Capitate-sessile trichomes are slightly larger glands (25-100 micrometers) that cover cannabis plants more densely than bulbous trichomes. These are the second most common form of trichome, as they occur on stems, leaves and bracts (modified or specialized leaves found above the leaves but below the flower). Capitate-sessile trichomes produce significant amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes throughout the entire life cycle of the plant, but at lower levels than the next type of trichomes: capitate-stalked trichomes.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant trichomes on cannabis plants. They are packed with oils and produce copious amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Capitate-stalked trichomes are also the largest glandular trichomes, growing as big as 150-500 micrometers. Capitate-stalked trichomes consist of a stalk and a waxy head that are visible to the naked eye. They begin to grow during the flowering phase and completely coat the area in and around the protective outer layer of small leaves that surround buds as they develop.

Essential in Cannabis and in Nature​

Cannabis trichomes not only protect cannabis plants from insects, animals and disease, they also manage to facilitate the production of hundreds of compounds that make the cannabis plant as dynamic and nuanced as it is. Often overlooked, they truly are a remarkable aspect of an extraordinary plant.

A super thanks for posting this itchy, I have always enjoyed reading your fact based informative posts mate I love learning about all aspects of this amazing plant

 

[Harry bootlace]

you guys aware there are a few different types of trichomes yeah
& why a plants health is so important , much more important than which bottles of nutrient to use
https://trichomeanalytical.com/the-role-of-trichomes-in-cannabis-and-nature/

Trichomes are kind of a big deal around here. So much so that we named our lab after them. But what are they exactly? And what specifically are cannabis trichomes?

Simply put, trichomes are the tiny hairs or miniscule glands that are found on the leaves and other epidermal surfaces of plants. They are epidermal cells that are either unicellular or multicellular.

The term originates from the Greek word “trichoma,” which refers to hair growth. One function of trichomes is to protect plants from invasive insects, fungi and larger animals, such as rodents. The presence of the wet and sticky trichomes in plants serves as an effective deterrent to predators, regardless of whether they are herbivores or omnivores.

Some of the trichomes present on cannabis plants have even been found to be toxic to some insects. The protective natural shield also helps the plants stay healthy when exposed to harsh weather conditions and intense ultraviolet rays that could cause harm or mutation.

Trichomes are especially important for cannabis growers because they determine when it is time to harvest. A mix of cloudy and amber-colored trichomes indicates that the time is right to collect the flowers. When the trichomes get darker and become brownish in color, the cannabis buds are past their peak and need to be harvested quickly to avoid any drop in potency.

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes​

There are two main types of trichomes in cannabis: glandular and non-glandular. Non-glandular appear in young plants, can be unicellular or multicellular, and look similar to hairs. They are found on branches, leaves and petioles. Non-glandular trichomes do not produce cannabinoids or terpenes. Their main roles are to block damaging ultraviolet light, store moisture, protect the plant from insects/pests and help prevent fungal infection.

Glandular trichomes can be unicellular and multicellular, and some produce cannabinoids and terpenes. There are three types of glandular trichomes:

Bulbous Trichomes

Clocking in at just 15-30 micrometers (a human hair is about 75 micrometers), the bulbous trichome is the smallest trichome found on marijuana. It is so tiny that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. Bulbous trichomes consist of a resin-secreting gland that sits on a short supporting stalk. As it swells, the trichome sometimes forms a small bulbous protrusion on the top of the membrane. Bulbous trichomes can synthesize both cannabinoids and terpenes.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

Capitate-sessile trichomes are slightly larger glands (25-100 micrometers) that cover cannabis plants more densely than bulbous trichomes. These are the second most common form of trichome, as they occur on stems, leaves and bracts (modified or specialized leaves found above the leaves but below the flower). Capitate-sessile trichomes produce significant amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes throughout the entire life cycle of the plant, but at lower levels than the next type of trichomes: capitate-stalked trichomes.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant trichomes on cannabis plants. They are packed with oils and produce copious amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Capitate-stalked trichomes are also the largest glandular trichomes, growing as big as 150-500 micrometers. Capitate-stalked trichomes consist of a stalk and a waxy head that are visible to the naked eye. They begin to grow during the flowering phase and completely coat the area in and around the protective outer layer of small leaves that surround buds as they develop.

Essential in Cannabis and in Nature​

Cannabis trichomes not only protect cannabis plants from insects, animals and disease, they also manage to facilitate the production of hundreds of compounds that make the cannabis plant as dynamic and nuanced as it is. Often overlooked, they truly are a remarkable aspect of an extraordinary plant.

very interesting. thanks

 

[Harry bootlace]

Great topic Harry. I love trich pics! Every now and then I have sporadic stunted amber trichs but mine are smaller than the regular trichs. I agree with Itchy suggesting damage of some sort, especially in my case. Maybe your reflection theory could fit.

I'm with you on not rushing to harvest if you don't have to but just going by the trichs (which all look pretty cloudy to me especially compared with the 1st pic) I'd be happy to start bringing her in, plenty of time to turn amber slowly + gently over the next few months. I was just comparing pics of my 2024 trichs at harvest and then 9mths on. Such an amazing transformation takes place.

never had another look after i decide to harvest. interesting.

at this stage i believe i’ll start harvesting in 2-3 weeks. but weather and plants might change that.
a couple in smaller pots are struggling now so they might be sooner.

 

[HomeBound_Hound]

POTG from my grow diary,,,

Taken just before harvest


Edited:
Roughly between 1 and 2 weeks later after drying and beginning of cure

 

[Harry bootlace]

the change of trichome colours when drying surely must be different to when on the plant though right ?

as in, when left to go amber while the plant is alive we get the couch lock sleepy etc effects.

but if they go amber while drying, and it was the same then all weed would be couch lock sleepy by the time you smoke it.

am i crazy ?

 

[HomeBound_Hound]

the change of trichome colours when drying surely must be different to when on the plant though right ?

as in, when left to go amber while the plant is alive we get the couch lock sleepy etc effects.

but if they go amber while drying, and it was the same then all weed would be couch lock sleepy by the time you smoke it.

am i crazy ?

When trichomes turn amber on the plant this is THC turning into CBN whereas most the amber and shrinking after harvest is oxidation.

CBN is what give the sedative couch lock effects whereas oxidation primarily effects terpene and flavour profiles.

If ya want a really strong couch lock I'd suggest aiming for a 30/70 ratio while still growing..

Edit:
When I harvested I was roughly between 10/90 & 20/80 with bits n pieces of clear.

 

[HomeBound_Hound]

Definitely not crazy although harvest time can make one feel this way from the um and arghing...

Edit: with the jungle u got out there @Harry bootlace I'd be definitely doing staggered harvesting unless ya got someone hands to help during trim jail...

 

[Harry bootlace]

yeah i’ll stagger.
i’m lazy and slow.
it’s a skill.

 

[Harry bootlace]

When trichomes turn amber on the plant this is THC turning into CBN whereas most the amber and shrinking after harvest is oxidation.

CBN is what give the sedative couch lock effects whereas oxidation primarily effects terpene and flavour profiles.

If ya want a really strong couch lock I'd suggest aiming for a 30/70 ratio while still growing..

Edit:
When I harvested I was roughly between 10/90 & 20/80 with bits n pieces of clear.

yeah that makes sense.

i used to like couch lock but now i’ve got kids (again) i find i don’t have the time for feeling like this.

 

[itchybro]

Question , what are you storing your canna in & where is it stored after harvest
& do you guys utilize a use container apposed to a storage container so your storage container only gets opened to fill a smaller usage container

 

[missrachael]

you guys aware there are a few different types of trichomes yeah
& why a plants health is so important , much more important than which bottles of nutrient to use
https://trichomeanalytical.com/the-role-of-trichomes-in-cannabis-and-nature/

Trichomes are kind of a big deal around here. So much so that we named our lab after them. But what are they exactly? And what specifically are cannabis trichomes?

Simply put, trichomes are the tiny hairs or miniscule glands that are found on the leaves and other epidermal surfaces of plants. They are epidermal cells that are either unicellular or multicellular.

The term originates from the Greek word “trichoma,” which refers to hair growth. One function of trichomes is to protect plants from invasive insects, fungi and larger animals, such as rodents. The presence of the wet and sticky trichomes in plants serves as an effective deterrent to predators, regardless of whether they are herbivores or omnivores.

Some of the trichomes present on cannabis plants have even been found to be toxic to some insects. The protective natural shield also helps the plants stay healthy when exposed to harsh weather conditions and intense ultraviolet rays that could cause harm or mutation.

Trichomes are especially important for cannabis growers because they determine when it is time to harvest. A mix of cloudy and amber-colored trichomes indicates that the time is right to collect the flowers. When the trichomes get darker and become brownish in color, the cannabis buds are past their peak and need to be harvested quickly to avoid any drop in potency.

Different Types of Cannabis Trichomes​

There are two main types of trichomes in cannabis: glandular and non-glandular. Non-glandular appear in young plants, can be unicellular or multicellular, and look similar to hairs. They are found on branches, leaves and petioles. Non-glandular trichomes do not produce cannabinoids or terpenes. Their main roles are to block damaging ultraviolet light, store moisture, protect the plant from insects/pests and help prevent fungal infection.

Glandular trichomes can be unicellular and multicellular, and some produce cannabinoids and terpenes. There are three types of glandular trichomes:

Bulbous Trichomes

Clocking in at just 15-30 micrometers (a human hair is about 75 micrometers), the bulbous trichome is the smallest trichome found on marijuana. It is so tiny that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. Bulbous trichomes consist of a resin-secreting gland that sits on a short supporting stalk. As it swells, the trichome sometimes forms a small bulbous protrusion on the top of the membrane. Bulbous trichomes can synthesize both cannabinoids and terpenes.

Capitate-Sessile Trichomes

Capitate-sessile trichomes are slightly larger glands (25-100 micrometers) that cover cannabis plants more densely than bulbous trichomes. These are the second most common form of trichome, as they occur on stems, leaves and bracts (modified or specialized leaves found above the leaves but below the flower). Capitate-sessile trichomes produce significant amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes throughout the entire life cycle of the plant, but at lower levels than the next type of trichomes: capitate-stalked trichomes.

Capitate-Stalked Trichomes

Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant trichomes on cannabis plants. They are packed with oils and produce copious amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Capitate-stalked trichomes are also the largest glandular trichomes, growing as big as 150-500 micrometers. Capitate-stalked trichomes consist of a stalk and a waxy head that are visible to the naked eye. They begin to grow during the flowering phase and completely coat the area in and around the protective outer layer of small leaves that surround buds as they develop.

Essential in Cannabis and in Nature​

Cannabis trichomes not only protect cannabis plants from insects, animals and disease, they also manage to facilitate the production of hundreds of compounds that make the cannabis plant as dynamic and nuanced as it is. Often overlooked, they truly are a remarkable aspect of an extraordinary plant.

Thanks to you I kicked the nutrient habit a couple of years ago. Great info cheers. And while I've always tried to show my appreciation for all trich types I must admit that I am a bit of a size queen when it comes down to it haha

 

[afghan bob]

I've noticed a fair amount of difference in the length of the stalks of capitate trikes and the erective tissue of them
Is this an age issue or in the dna of a particular cultivar
Also noticed missing bulbs on some, but no heavy rain or human fingers been near em
Even had one with 2 heads [fair dinkum]
Bloody usb scope really has opened up whole new world of plant froth

 

[Harry bootlace]

Question , what are you storing your canna in & where is it stored after harvest
& do you guys utilize a use container apposed to a storage container so your storage container only gets opened to fill a smaller usage container

used to be in mason jars one ounce per jar.
in a cupboard.

nowadays in buckets in the fridge and freezer. have a jar or two out for daily smoking.

 

[missrachael]

I've noticed a fair amount of difference in the length of the stalks of capitate trikes and the erective tissue of them
Is this an age issue or in the dna of a particular cultivar
Also noticed missing bulbs on some, but no heavy rain or human fingers been near em
Even had one with 2 heads [fair dinkum]
Bloody usb scope really has opened up whole new world of plant froth

Fellow usb scope lover here. So much difference even on the same plant. I notice a difference in stalk length + shape between strains for sure. Might try a comparison between thc dominant vs cbd dominant vs 1:1 varieties. Thanks for giving me a reason to indulge.

 

[afghan bob]

3 levels of indulgence
1) Smoking the plant
2) Growing the plant
3) Scoping the plant
Not necessarily in that order

 

[Indy]

I've got a bit of a odd system where once a harvest is dried, i'll cure it in a large cardboard box for a month or two, instead of the burbing of jars routine. Once cured, it'd be 2oz stuffed into large maccona jars and sealed until required.

I've since done away with the jars, and utilised those resealable mylar foil lightproof pouches instead. Stuff an ounce in each one, and seal them with a cryovac. Turning out pretty well so far..

All stored at room temperature. No doubt, there's room for improvement in that area, though.

 

[benn0]

I've noticed a fair amount of difference in the length of the stalks of capitate trikes and the erective tissue of them
Is this an age issue or in the dna of a particular cultivar
Also noticed missing bulbs on some, but no heavy rain or human fingers been near em
Even had one with 2 heads [fair dinkum]
Bloody usb scope really has opened up whole new world of plant froth

Fkn grand them usb scopes are I reckon, love mine, i hook it up with a usb to usb-c adapter and use it on my tablet carrying it around with me in the garden or tent. Not to mention all the other stuff I've zoomed in on lol

 

[Green Genius]

Trichrome typology is super important when it comes to hash making. Different types respond to different process.

 

[Green Genius]

Question , what are you storing your canna in & where is it stored after harvest
& do you guys utilize a use container apposed to a storage container so your storage container only gets opened to fill a smaller usage container

A breathable container during the cure (0-4 weeks) is pretty important, and temps below 20c is desirable. A budget method is a grove bag in a fridge/wine cooler.

Once optimum cure and homogenization has occurred, air tight container is okay.

Large grove > smaller grove > mason jar is a good method of storage to not open them more than you need.