Investigating the effect of REAP, a rare earth element and micronutrient fertilizer, on cannabis physiological growth variables, yield and product quality.

The research proposed will produce critical knowledge relevant to the cannabis industry, allowing for the production of high-quality plant material with optimum cannabinoid concentrations. The project will investigate a rare earth element supplemental fertilizer (REAP) effects on cannabis growth, flower yield and cannabinoid concentrations. We will evaluate application of REAP at three rates and hypothesize that improved yield of flowers and cannabinoids will occur at higher application rates and
that these benefits will be associated with improved plant water and nutrient transport and reduced salinity stress associated with fertigation. We will examine the microscopic anatomy of the root and stem vascular elements, leaf water potential and photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance during plant growth as well as trichome density on cannabis flowers. We expect: an improved understanding of how rare earth element fertilizers interact with cannabis plants to improve growth, yield and/or
cannabinoid accumulation. This knowledge will pave the way for the adoption of REAP use in cannabis production systems.

Faculty Supervisor:

Donald Smith

Student:

Partner:

Cannabis Research and Innovation Centre Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: