BREEDING TRIAL
12/12 vs 13/11 vs 14/10
Traditionally, indoor cannabis cultivation follows a standard photoperiod of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness (12/12) to induce flowering.
However, recent research, such as the study by the University of Guelph titled
ResearchGate: Longer Photoperiod Substantially Increases Indoor-Grown Cannabis’ Yield and Quality.
has indicated that extending light hours can substantially improve both yield and quality in modern genetics.
Based on this information and the findings of this study, we designed this trial to evaluate the impact of an alternative photoperiod of 13 hours of light and 11 hours of darkness (13/11) compared to the traditional 12/12, replicating real-world production conditions, including experimental cycles like 14/10.
The results were extraordinary, showing significant improvements in the number of flowers obtained, resin production, and the content of cannabinoids and terpenes.
INASE Trial Results 12/12 vs 13/11
Dry Weight by Strain and Photoperiod
| Strain | 12/12 | 13/11 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harambe | 32.3g | 42.3g | +31.3% 13/11 |
| Yeti | 26.0g | 37.6g | +44.6% 13/11 |
With the 13/11 photoperiod, an average increase of +37.2% in total dry weight was achieved compared to the classic 12/12 cycle.
CANNABINOID ANALYSIS
THCA CBL Δ9THC
Method used: HPLC-UV.
Special thanks to
IACA @iacalaboratorios
for certifying the results.
Harambe Results
| Cycle | THCA | Δ9-THC | CBL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/12 | 96mg | 13mg | 2 |
| 13/11 | 200mg | 12mg | 1 |
Yeti Results
| Cycle | THCA | Δ9-THC | CBL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/12 | 171mg | 24mg | <1 |
| 13/11 | 198mg | 32mg | <1 |
The 13/11 cycle proved to be superior in THCA production for both strains.
Harambe showed a dramatic increase of 108%.
Yeti had a more moderate but still relevant increase of 15.8%.
In the case of Δ9-THC, Yeti stood out with a 33% increase, while Harambe experienced a slight reduction.
CBL decreased in Harambe under the 13/11 cycle, while in Yeti, it did not show significant values.
In conclusion, the 13/11 cycle not only optimizes cannabinoid production like THCA in both strains but also enhances Δ9-THC in Yeti.
This suggests that adjustments in the photoperiod can significantly influence the chemical profile, with Harambe being particularly sensitive to changes in the cycle.
TERPENE QUANTIFICATION
The terpene analyses conducted by IACA Laboratories confirm that the 13/11 photoperiod had a positive impact on terpene concentration in both strains, Harambe and Yeti. Below are the detailed results.
Terpene analysis results from the 12/12 vs. 13/11 trial
HARAMBE
| Terpene | 12/12 | 13/11 | Change 13/11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| d-Limonene | 1.076 µg/g | 2.978 µg/g | +177% |
| β-Myrcene | 349 µg/g | 439 µg/g | +26% |
| Linalool | 841 µg/g | 36 µg/g | Decrease |
| β-Caryophyllene | 6.068 µg/g | 7.700 µg/g | +26.9% |
| α-Humulene | 1.847 µg/g | 2.341 µg/g | +26.7% |
| (+)-Nerolidol | 266 µg/g | 498 µg/g | +87.2% |
| α-Bisabolol | 568 µg/g | 280 µg/g | -50.7% |
YETI
| Terpene | 12/12 | 13/11 | Change 13/11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| d-Limonene | 2.059 µg/g | 2.222 µg/g | +7.9% |
| β-Myrcene | 3.833 µg/g | 3.101 µg/g | -19.1% |
| Linalool | 1.427 µg/g | 1.481 µg/g | +3.7% |
| β-Caryophyllene | 3.933 µg/g | 11.028 µg/g | +180% |
| α-Humulene | 1.268 µg/g | 3.387 µg/g | +167% |
| (+)-Nerolidol | 251 µg/g | 357 µg/g | +42.2% |
| α-Bisabolol | 428 µg/g | 403 µg/g | -5.8% |
Conclusions
The 13/11 photoperiod improved the production of key terpenes in both strains. Harambe showed a major increase in d-Limonene, β-Myrcene, and β-Caryophyllene, although it decreased in Linalool and α-Bisabolol.
Yeti showed a notable increase in β-Caryophyllene and α-Humulene, maintaining a more stable profile.
These findings reinforce the idea that small adjustments in the photoperiod can influence the chemical expression of plants.
Cultivation Time Extension
The 13/11 cycle took approximately 6 extra days to finish.
| PHOTOPERIOD | YETI | HARAMBE |
|---|---|---|
| 12/12 | 55 | 60 |
| 13/11 | 62 | 68 |
EC Observations
In the final stage of the trial, electrical conductivity (EC) levels were measured in each plant, revealing significant differences.
Yeti under 12/12: EC = 1.6
Yeti under 13/11: EC = 3.5
(Excessive value for week 5 of flowering).
To ensure uniform EC levels and reduce the possibility of nutrient lockout in plants, the following is proposed:
- Repeat the trial in two larger spaces dedicated exclusively to the 12/12 and 13/11 photoperiods.
- Use a **DWC hydroponic system** fed from a single tank, ensuring that all plants receive a homogeneous nutrient solution.
- Include a greater number of strains to expand the scope and robustness of the study.
The results obtained are directly related to the increase in **DLI and active time (phytochrome in Pfr state)**, leading to greater biomass production during flowering.
DLI Comparison Between Photoperiods at 900 PPFD
| Photoperiod | DLI (mol/m²/day) | DLI Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 12/12 | 38.00 | 0 |
| 13/11 | 42.12 | +8.3% |
14/10 Photoperiod Results
RETHINKING ON
THE 14/10 CYCLE
THE BREAKING POINT
FOR INNOVATION
The 14/10 cycle was discarded on day 50 because the plants remained in an intermediate state between flowering and vegetative growth, seriously compromising floral development.
This result highlighted a crucial limitation: lack of sufficient dark time prevented proper deactivation of phytochrome, an essential process for plants to correctly transition into the flowering stage.
This finding marked a turning point in how we approach the photoperiod. Within the traditional 24-hour framework (12+12, 13+11, 14+10), we simply had no more useful options. Testing 15 hours of light seemed completely unviable, as it would leave only 9 hours of darkness. If 10 hours were already insufficient, 9 would clearly not work.
Then, the question that changed everything arose: why limit ourselves to a 24-hour cycle?
If the day as we know it does not offer more possibilities, why not extend it? Imagine a 30-hour day, where we can assign 17 hours of light and 13 hours of darkness, achieving the perfect balance between production and rest.
A win-win cycle that maximizes yield without compromising the quality of floral development.
This challenge inspires us to think beyond traditional limits and seek solutions that revolutionize cannabis cultivation.
VISIT THE PROJECT
🔥 SUPERCYCLE 🔥
What’s Left to Explore
Although the results of the 13/11 cycle are already clear, there are still important questions to answer.
How do other strains respond?
While hybrids showed good results, we want to see how pure indicas and sativas behave.
What is the impact on quality?
Although we observed improvements, we need more data to confirm them.
OUR SUPPORTERS
LEDS QUANTUM Q150
WE USE A
GROWCAST 2.0 CONTROLLER
IACA LABORATORIES
CONDUCTS ALL ANALYTICAL TESTING
FOR OUR TRIALS
POT CORN FLAVORS
YETI
CREATED BY PABLO BARTO
FLOWERS AND TERPS
HARAMBE
CREATED BY MAULA
ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE TRIAL
TRIAL PRESENTATION - INTRODUCTION
Cannabis, a plant with high medicinal and recreational importance, strongly depends on environmental conditions for its development, especially the photoperiod.
Traditionally, cannabis plants are cultivated under a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark (12/12) regimen to induce flowering.
However, recent studies such as that of the University of Guelph, titled "Longer Photoperiod Substantially Increases Indoor-Grown Cannabis' Yield and Quality", have demonstrated that extending the photoperiod can significantly improve cannabis yield and quality.
This trial aims to investigate the effects of a 13-hour light and 11-hour dark (13/11) photoperiod compared to the standard 12/12 in a traditional cultivation environment.
We will evaluate its impact on resin production, cannabinoid content, and floral morphology.
