Brother man I wish I could use silica just for the added resistance to an intense environment. Just doesn’t work in my reservoir.. I would bet an arm and a leg you are benefiting from that significantly with the ladies you run, under your lighting. I envy your success with it.
I just watched Bruce Bugbee’s take on it and he makes no mention of trichome stalks. He did say (interestingly) that silica is almost never present in a plant with WPM. He also states it’s a very desirable nutrient for cannabis. It’s worth watching. He talks about some other alternative sources (in soil) to deliver silica.
Yeah, surprising he wouldn’t bring it up beyond that. I’d specifically want it for wpm and disease resistance. I’ve never had wpm but I’ve had rot. I think it is most plausible in soil. But in a 55g standing res I get a bunk mix within 12 hours. Every combo you could imagine. I even filter my dissolved nutrients, manage temps… I’ve tried everything. Different brands with Jacks 321. I’ve had success in smaller reservoirs or buckets but not in the big res. Tried and have dumped several thousand gallons.
I’ve ran silica before but couldn’t tell a difference, I’ve went back to simple basics and I’m with Low, it starts and ends with genetics, in between a matter of providing a good environment and proper feed at correct PH. This Apple Fritter has plenty of frost but never had silica, or additives. Straight Jacks since going in Autopots, 2 weeks of Jacks Blossom Booster at flip, then back to Jacks.
Circles were used for example, pay them no mind.
I use silica in veg because it strengthens the cell walls. I like sturdy plants and rarely have to type them up.
Absolutely, Silica promotes disease resistance in cannabis by strengthening the plant’s physical and biochemical defenses. When absorbed as monosilicic acid, silica is deposited in the cell walls, creating a tougher barrier that makes it harder for pathogens like powdery mildew or botrytis to penetrate the plant tissue. This physical reinforcement helps the leaves and stems resist fungal spores and insect feeding. Beyond structure, silica also plays a role in activating the plant’s internal defense systems. It can trigger the production of defensive enzymes and compounds such as phytoalexins, which inhibit pathogen growth. In cannabis, growers have observed that plants supplemented with silica tend to show fewer signs of mold or mildew under high humidity conditions, and they often recover faster from stress.
I realize that it is based majorly on genetics but I have friends in my grow circle who grow the same strains and my seeds but get no where near the same results. I’m just saying which soils and feeding methods are best and opinions based off that because I am always trying to dial it in.
I’ve only been growing legally for 2 years and only dabbling in guerilla growing over the years before hand ( which the results were always sub-par back then ). I know folks who run salts, organics, hydro, coco and a whole variety of boosters, teas, and what have you all to varying results.
I guess what I’m really after is in my opinion the organic living soil always produces the best results to me. The most flavor and nose i have seen from the folks I know. Just wanted to hear other sides of the coin so to speak. Hear a lot of good things about jacks as well.
Thanks for the compliment the girls are getting frosty and staying happy this go around. Atlas seeds has some pretty good genetics from what I have seen for commercial seeds.
Bro. What you are talking about is phenotypes which can vary even in clone. A different environment or medium/method from the mother will be vastly different. I’ve grown out clones from soil and hydro donors, both breeders (Beleaf, copycat, elev8) and friends. My results differ. Genotype + enviornment = phenotype. Even the bangers I’ve cloned and given away can look totally different with appropriate conditions in anothers garden. Approach doesn’t matter as much as environment. This is why certain strains carried by clone work well for certain individuals, shared clones get vastly different results. For better or worse. Enviornment is key and what bangs for you, might not jive for another. It can be as drastic as mids to top shelf.
Of course I know that phenotypical variation and environment stability are the main factors. I breed autos and have never had 2 of the same plants. I was looking for others opinions about what they thought were better. I guess I misworded it.
I personally don’t grow from clones, because I’m growing for enjoyment and like different flavors, I would like to find a washer soon so I can make some hash, that I would keep around and I know there can still be variation there as well. I was after what nutes lines people think is best, or soil lines. I know booster and enhancers are mostly snake oil. I’ve bought them before I’m asking about results so I can step my game up I guess lol. But keep talking because you sir have a wealth of knowledge and I am just being a lil sponge right now!!!
Very sensible and realistic thought, and honestly, True.
I grow photos from various people, I breed through feminization, I clone, get clones, and carry mothers for years. The best nutrient regiment is going to be what suits you and your outcomes based on your environment. I often time pop off anywhere from 20-300 regs and sex them all. More recently I’ve been into breeding from the moms I’ve kept over the years. Recently in a breeding project I had a breakthrough in terms of bulk, frost, and terps… made me scrap all the moms and contemplate my goals… I have hundreds of genetics in hand and kind of came to a stand still. Because, what’s next?
I guess I should ask for opinions on genetics for best structures and production. I don’t really have any local breeders who I am aware of that breed for hash production and high terpene levels. So that is another part of my question. Out of all the big names I like Twenty20 and Atlas but interested in Bhodi next.
My biggest frost monsters cam from 808, sunken treasure seeds, beleaf, elev8, copycat, @imSICKkid
ILGM even though they are white label, @kaptain3d from a couple sources. Dialed in you can expect to exploit every plant to its wall. But don’t expect your circle to get the same results if you are trying harder. I honestly haven’t had the best results by bohdi in terms of frost.
Also do you prefer regs over fems? I know that regs are more pure because of herming to make fem seeds.
Regs will always have more variation and vigor. Any fem seeds will have a potential of herm, as that’s how they are
Made.
Nice thanks man. I am always interested in trying new breeders. I was disappointed by mephisto, Fastbuds, and Barney’s to name a few. So I started going by reviews instead of hype.
Get away from autos. If that is what you are used to. I have a bunch of in house to run, really looking forward to them. At the back of mind it’s hype.
Oh I know, I always say autos are good to fill jars but photos are where the magic happens lol
Absolutely. Some auto breeders are top notch, but the market is so flooded I couldn’t point you in the right direction.
I haven’t been disappointed by Atlas, thier Garlic Jam is a staple for me. My favorite auto by far.
Not enough people pay attention to this.