Overview of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov is a subspecies of the Cannabis sativa plant, a member of the Cannabaceae family. It is commonly referred to as wild hemp or ditch weed and is found in areas such as Central Asia, India, and parts of Europe.
General Appearance of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov
The wild hemp variety of the Cannabis sativa plant is typically tall, with a height ranging from 6 to 15 feet. The plant has thin leaves that are long and narrow in shape, with serrated edges. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem, giving the plant a distinctive appearance.
The leaves of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov are light green in color and have a pungent aroma when crushed. The plant also has a strong and distinct odor, which is an important characteristic of the plant.
Uses of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov
Wild hemp, or ditch weed, is often considered a nuisance plant due to its ability to grow quickly and aggressively in disturbed areas. It is typically removed from fields and other agricultural areas to prevent it from competing with other crops.
However, some people in Central Asia and India have traditionally used wild hemp for medicinal and textile purposes. The fiber from the stem of the plant can be used to make rope, clothing, and other textiles. The seeds of the plant can also be used as a source of food, as they are high in protein and other nutrients.
Despite these traditional uses, wild hemp is not commonly cultivated or used for commercial purposes due to the low quality of its fiber and seeds compared to cultivated varieties of Cannabis sativa.
Light Requirements
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov has a high light requirement, and as such, it performs best in full sun conditions. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. The plant also requires light in the blue and red spectrum for optimum growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The optimum temperature for growth is around 25°C (77°F). Too much heat can cause the plant to wilt, while colder temperatures can cause poor growth and nutrient uptake.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and development. Soil with a high organic matter content is preferred, as it helps to retain moisture and nutrients and promotes healthy root growth.
Cultivation methods
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov typically grows best in warm climates with ample sunlight. It can grow both indoors and outdoors, with indoor cultivation offering more control over the growing conditions.
When growing indoors, it is essential to provide proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control to mimic the plant's natural outdoor environment. Outdoor cultivation requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients, such as compost or worm castings.
Watering needs
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov prefers a consistently moist growing medium, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
When watering, it is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, as this prevents waterlogged conditions that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
This plant is a heavy feeder and requires a balanced fertilizer mix that is high in nitrogen during the vegetative growth phase. During the flowering stage, a fertilizer mix high in phosphorus will encourage flower growth.
It is best to fertilize once every two weeks, particularly if growing in a soilless medium such as coco coir or hydroponics. Slow-release fertilizers are also an option, offering consistent nutrient release over an extended period.
Pruning
Pruning can help to improve the overall growth and yield of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov. It is best to begin pruning during the vegetative growth phase, removing any yellow or damaged leaves, and any growth that is not essential to the plant's development.
Cutting back the top of the plant, or topping, can also encourage bushier growth and increase flower production. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant and introducing disease.
Propagation of Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov
There are several methods for propagating Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov, including both sexual and asexual reproduction techniques.
Sexual Propagation
The most common method of sexual propagation for cannabis plants is through seeds. Seeds can be obtained from mature female plants that have been pollinated by male plants or through the use of feminized seeds.
Once seeds are acquired, they should be germinated under controlled conditions for best results. This typically involves soaking the seeds in water for a few hours, then planting them in a warm, moist environment until they sprout.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of cannabis plants involves taking a cutting from a mature plant and rooting it to produce a new individual. This method is commonly used by growers to create genetically identical copies of high-performing plants.
To take a cutting, a portion of the plant's stem with several leaves is snipped off and the bottom is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots. The cutting is then planted in a suitable growing medium and kept under the right conditions until it develops a root system and begins to grow independently.
Another method of asexual propagation that is gaining popularity among growers is tissue culture. This technique involves taking small pieces of plant tissue, such as a leaf or stem, and using special chemicals to stimulate their growth into new plants.
Overall, there are various propagation methods for Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov, and the choice of which technique to use depends on the specific needs and preferences of the grower.
Disease Management
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov is susceptible to several diseases and infections that can result in severe crop losses. Some of the most common diseases are:
- Grey Mold (Botrytis cinerea): This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plants' flowers, buds, and leaves. It can cause significant yield losses and affects both indoor and outdoor cultivation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to maintain low humidity levels in grow rooms and to remove infected plant parts immediately.
- Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum): This fungal disease causes a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, eventually weakening the plant's structure. Preventive measures such as high airflow and proper ventilation can help combat powdery mildew, while the use of fungicides and sulfur burners can help manage the disease after infection.
- Root Rot (Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp.): Root rot is caused by waterlogging and is a common problem in hydroponic systems. To prevent this disease, it is recommended to maintain adequate drainage and not overwater plants. The use of beneficial microbes can also help promote root health and reduce the risk of root rot.
Pest Management
Cannabis sativa L. ssp. sativa var. spontanea Vavilov is also susceptible to various pests that can quickly damage the crop and reduce yields. Some common pests that can infest the plant include:
- Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae): These pests are tiny spider-like insects that feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Regular inspections of the plant and the use of insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and predatory insects such as ladybugs can help manage spider mites.
- Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis): Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant sap, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. The use of sticky traps and predatory insects such as lacewings and mites can help control thrips. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be used to manage the pest after infection.
- Aphids (Aphidoidea): Aphids are a common pest that feed on the plant sap and reproduce rapidly, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the plant. The use of insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and predatory insects such as ladybugs can help manage aphids. The use of reflective mulch can also deter aphids from infesting the plants.
