Inside the Trichome (Size,Types,Potancy)

Discussion in 'Harvesting and Processing Marijuana' started by Walliby, May 26, 2012.

  1. [​IMG]CANNABIS CULTURE - An up-close look at the THC-producing resin glands of the cannabis plant through pot-ographer Bubbleman's macro lens.
    If you’ve seen pictures of mature cannabis plants taken with a macroscopic lens that’s zoomed-in very close, then you’ve undoubtedly noticed the many glistening translucent resin glands protruding from the buds, leaves, and just about everywhere else on the plant (see “Stalking Trichomes”, CC #72). Most marijuana growers and readers of pot magazines are quite familiar – and some downright obsessed – with these resinous outgrowths known as trichomes. You may have also read that the sticky coating of trichomes is home to the active ingredients in cannabis – the stuff that gets you high and has all the medical benefits – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. But have you ever wondered exactly what the trichomes do for the cannabis plant, or what biological purpose they serve?
    [​IMG]Sticky resinous growths knows as trichomes are home to the active ingredients in cannabis. (Click picture to enlarge)Evolution of Trichomes
    In nature, only the strong survive, and it is hypothesized by biologists that trichomes evolved as a defense mechanism of the cannabis plant against a range of potential enemies (1). Trichomes, from the Greek meaning ‘growth of hair,’ act as an evolutionary shield, protecting the plant and its seeds from the dangers of its environment, allowing it to reproduce. These adhesive sprouts form a protective layer against offensive insects, preventing them from reaching the surface of the plant. The chemicals in the trichomes make cannabis less palatable to hungry animals and can inhibit the growth of some types of fungus. The resin also helps to insulate the plant from high wind and low humidity, and acts as a natural ‘sun-screen’ in protecting against UV-B light rays. But since trichomes contain euphoric properties attractive to humans, it may be man who has had the most influence on the plants’ development through many years of favoring strains that consistently produce more of these gooey resin heads.
    Trichome Types
    Trichomes grow in numerous shapes and sizes on many types of plants. The cannabis plant has developed three main types (from NationMaster Encyclopedia):
    Bulbous: This type is the smallest (15 to 30 micrometers). From one to four cells make up the ‘foot’ and ‘stalk’, and one to four cells make up the ‘head’ of the gland. Head cells secrete a resin, presumably cannabinoids, and related compounds that accumulate between the head cells and the cuticle. When the gland matures, a nipple-like protrusion may form on the membrane from the pressure of accumulating resin. The bulbous glands are found scattered about the surfaces of the aboveground plant parts. [Pictured below.]
    [​IMG]
    Capitate-Sessile: The second type of gland is larger (25 to 100 micrometers) and more numerous than the bulbous glands. They are called capitate, which means having a globular-shaped head. On immature plants, the heads lie flush, appearing not to have a stalk and are called capitate sessile. They have a stalk that is one cell high, although it may not be visible beneath the globular head. The head is composed of usually eight, but up to 16 cells, that form a convex rosette. These cells secrete cannabinoids and related compounds that accumulate between the rosette and its outer membrane. This gives it a spherical shape.
    Capitate-Stalked: Cannabinoids are most abundant in the capitate-stalked glands, which consists of a tier of secretory disc cells subtending a large non-cellular secretory cavity. During flowering, the capitate glands that appear on the newly formed plant parts take on a third form. Some of the glands are raised to a height of 150 to 500 micrometres when their stalks elongate. These capitate-stalked glands appear during flowering and form their densest cover on the female flower bracts [specialized leaves that cover the seeds]. They are also highly concentrated on the small leaves that accompany the flowers. The male flowers have some stalked glands, but they are smaller and less concentrated than on the female. (2)
    Cannabinoids
    Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, first discovered in the 1940s. When consumed by humans, the chemicals bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, causing euphoria and other effects. The broader definition includes three general types: phytocannabinoids, which occur uniquely in the cannabis plant; endogenous cannabinoids, produced by the bodies of humans and other mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles; and synthetic cannabinoids, which are related compounds produced in laboratories. Cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant include THC, CBD, cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
    [​IMG]
    Inside the Trichome
    THC and other cannabinoids are produced in only one place on the cannabis plant: inside the heads of the trichomes. How it happens: Organelles produced by the plant called Vacuoles – which contain phenols, a chemical compound similar to alcohol [pictured at right in blue], and another type of organelle called plastids – containing hydrocarbons called terpenes [red], make their way up the trichome stalk [green] and combine inside the secretory cavity into a fibrous mat [yellow]. This concentrated mat is hit by UV-B light waves, causing the creation of cannabinoids. Since all of the psychoactive ingredients are produced inside the trichome, these tiny resin hairs have long been sought after by hash and oil makers and can be separated from the plant and harvested in a variety of ways (3).
    Potency and Tricomes
    Many media outlets and politicians say the ‘potency’ of today’s pot has increased dramatically in the last 30 years, claiming it contains anywhere from 10%-40% THC. Most are dubious claims, as it is quite obvious that a sample of herbal plant material does not consist of nearly half THC, but there is still much debate on the issue of potency classification. One thing is for sure; heavy trichome production does not necessarily mean higher potency, because the resins inside the trichome may or may not contain high levels of THC and other active ingredients. Some speculate that the percentage levels refer to the amount of THC in the oils produced inside the resin glands, but new studies show that cannabinoids other than THC also have distinctive effects on brain functions and cause correspondingly different effects on human cognition and psychiatric symptoms (4). This makes gauging the ‘potency’ or ‘strength’ of cannabis plants very difficult, as different cannabinoid level combinations may induce different types of highs
     
  2. #2 Walliby, May 26, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: May 26, 2012
    THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRICHOME GLANDS

    Trichomes are fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, also called resin glands. Trichomes can vary in size and structure depending on the plant in question. We are however only interested in the trichomes found on cannabis plants.

    There are three known types of glands that occur on the cannabis plant.
    They are most heavily concentrated on the floral parts of the female plant:


    (Photo by Pistals)
    [​IMG]


    Bulbous



    These types of gland are the smallest (15-30 micron across). Anywhere from one to four cells make up the "foot" and "stalk," and one to four cells make up the "head" of the gland. They can be found everywhere on the surface of the plant that is above ground level. Head cells secrete a resin, presumably cannabinoids, and related compounds that accumulate between the head cells and the cuticle.



    Capitate – Sessile


    The second type of gland is larger (25 to 100 micrometers) and more numerous than the bulbous glands. They are called capitate, which means having a globular-shaped head. On immature plants, the heads lie flush, appearing not to have a stalk and are called capitate sessile. They have a stalk that is one cell high, although it may not be visible beneath the globular head. These cells secrete cannabinoids and related compounds.


    Capitate – Stalked

    These type of glands appear during flowering and occur especially on the bracts subtending a flower and seed and also small leaves that accompany the flowers. They contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and can range in size from 150 – 500 microns. The male flowers also have stalked glands, but they are smaller and less concentrated than on the female plant. These resin glands contain the most THC, which is also why they are the most important. Good cannabis plants have mostly capitate-stalked glandular trichomes and in very high concentration.


    (The structures pointed out by the red arrow is a cystolith hair that lack the bulbous head of the other trichomes.)


    In order to determine the dominant type of trichome on your plant, you will need to look at the female flowers through magnification. Although different plants may seem as frosty as the next, it is actually the dominant type of trichome and the concentration in which it occurs that determines the potency of the final product.


    The capitate-stalked glandular trichome changes color as it matures. Newly formed and immature glands are clear, glands reaching optimum THC production are cloudy or milky and amber trichomes have already passed their peak. By looking at the trichomes you can also determine the best time to harvest your plants. When most trichomes have gone cloudy and a few amber ones have appeared, the plant is at its peak.

    [​IMG]


    INSIDE THE TRICHOME

    THC and other cannabinoids are produced mostly in one place on the cannabis plant:
    inside the heads of the capitate-stalked trichomes.

    [​IMG]

    How it happens:

    Organelles produced by the plant called Vacuoles - which contain phenols, a chemical compound similar to alcohol and another type of organelle called plastids - containing hydrocarbons called terpenes, make their way up the trichome stalk and combine inside the secretory cavity into a fibrous mat. This concentrated mat is hit by UV-B light waves, causing the creation of cannabinoids. Since all of the psychoactive ingredients are produced inside the trichome, these tiny resin heads have long been sought after by hash and oil makers and can be separated from the plant and harvest in a variety of ways.

    [​IMG]


    Why Trichomes?

    Cannabis and many other plants have evolved resin trichomes for variety of uses. They protect the plant from UVB light rays, especially Cannabis plant since THC has very good UV-B light absorption. It protects the plant from insects and animals and also provides protection for buds from low humidity and harsh winds.
     
  3. Subn to read over later thank you op :)
     
  4. Starting to find Botany in general really interesting.
     
  5. So my understanding is this, for harvesting purposes a person wnats to wait til they see the milky/cloudy trichs and soem starting to amber up...... so I have basic questions.

    When should the flushing begin?
    When should 24-48 hours of darkness be implemented?
    And how will the answers to these two questions ... ultimately influence the color of the trichs?
     

  6. I am not the expert in this field, perhaps someone else would beable to give you more accurate information but this is how i believe it works. The hairs on the bud will give you a indication of when the plant is nearing its finish. You start flushing at that period. Also, 24-48 hours should just be implemented 1-2 days (lol) before you decide to harvest. ie, last 1-2 days before chop.


    As for the both questions i would assume they don't effect them at all.
     
  7. [quote name='"cobrakhan5"']So my understanding is this, for harvesting purposes a person wnats to wait til they see the milky/cloudy trichs and soem starting to amber up...... so I have basic questions.

    When should the flushing begin?
    When should 24-48 hours of darkness be implemented?
    And how will the answers to these two questions ... ultimately influence the color of the trichs?[/quote]

    There's a few factors to take into account - I wouldn't harvest based only on pistil or trichome color. A plant could have completely red, receded pistils, yet still lack density and ripeness. It can go the other way too; a plant can have amber trichomes and still have white pistils. So I think it's best to take density, pistil color, and trichome color all into account and decide what's best from there.

    In my opinion, flushing should start when you think you're a couple days away from harvest. Better to let them go a little longer than harvest early (unless of course the headier high is what you're after). Once you've flushed for a while (7-10 days I'd say), then give them 24-72 hours of darkness if you decide to go that route. In my experience, flushing and extended dark period didn't really affect the rate at which trichomes mature. Just my experience though - see what works for you. Hope that helps man.
     
  8. [quote name='"roostaphant"']

    There's a few factors to take into account - I wouldn't harvest based only on pistil or trichome color. A plant could have completely red, receded pistils, yet still lack density and ripeness. It can go the other way too; a plant can have amber trichomes and still have white pistils. So I think it's best to take density, pistil color, and trichome color all into account and decide what's best from there.

    In my opinion, flushing should start when you think you're a couple days away from harvest. Better to let them go a little longer than harvest early (unless of course the headier high is what you're after). Once you've flushed for a while (7-10 days I'd say), then give them 24-72 hours of darkness if you decide to go that route. In my experience, flushing and extended dark period didn't really affect the rate at which trichomes mature. Just my experience though - see what works for you. Hope that helps man.[/quote]

    I am a newb on my first harvest but agree wholeheartedly with this post. I think all factors should be looked at when gauging when to chop....a lerfect example is a strange white widow pheno ive got.....its filled in a ripe looking at 9.5 weeks of flowering, has 15-20% amber trichs, yet has 100% snow white pistils! I dont think there are any hard and fast rules that apply to every strain, but that all factors should be looked at on a plant-by-plant basis. :)
     



  9. So white pistils are bad? What happens to the white pistils that you can tell the buds have matured?
     
  10. Having a few white pistils isn't bad. Some strains will continue to have white pistils no matter how long you let them go for. The general guideline is to wait until most pistils have receded and have changed color - I'm just saying not to harvest based on pistil color. They can be misleading at times.

    Also - any pistils that are still white usually wont be by the time the plants are done drying.
     
  11. So, the key is to watch your plant... get to know your plant... and know what to look for
     
  12. [quote name='"cobrakhan5"']So, the key is to watch your plant... get to know your plant... and know what to look for[/quote]

    Precisely, sir!!

    Strains can just be so different from each other, so ripeness indicators can vary a bit.
     
  13. Just thought I'd say thanks for a brilliant post!!!
    I'm flushing mine now to harvest next week and while some hairs are still white as they are still appearing, a lot more are amber and receded.
    Not really been able to look close enough to check for cloudy trichs, I do thing the are almost there as bottom leaves are falling off.
    I've already posted pics on another thread so I'll take a close up tonight and will keep you guys posted on how the next week pans out.
    Thanks for reading such a large post
    Cheers.
     
  14. Gonna read this when I have a few mins!
     
  15. Thanks for the info two thumbs up!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!
     
  16. Awesome post! just what I was looking for.
     
  17. #18 Richie H, Feb 2, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 2, 2014
    I flush for 14 days before harvest If you only flush for 2 or 3 days the chemicals from nutes will still be in the plant you will wash it from the soil but it takes 4 or 5 days to leave the plant I harvest whe my
     
    I flush for 10 to 14 days if you flush for 2 or 3 days there will still be chemicals in the plant from the nutrients it will be flushed from the soil But will take a few days to get used up in the girls. Depending on what sort of smoke you want But the norm is 80-90% milky 10-20 amber you will need a hand held microscope if you are in the states radio shack and wall mart do them so I am told. They are cheap enough I am not in the states  
    you can put them into darkness 2 to 5 days before harvest Make sure you read reviews on your strain to see how long people flower and have a grow journal for dates they went into 12/12 flowering cycle can take 6 to 12 weeks depending on the strain Sativa go longer then indica  
    Hope this helps you
    View attachment 1102802
    View attachment 1102808
     
  18. bump
     
    Good read and useful information that most harvest guides don't talk about, "how trichomes actually work"!
     
  19. nice graphics and great info.
    thanks.
    last year i grew a huge sticky plant.
    but sadly after curing and actually smoking it, i found it had little THC inside all that resin.
     
    this year the plants are smaller, but 2 hits on a J can do me right.
     
    it is all about the genetics!!
     

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