Step-by-Step Guide to Apical Application of Colchicine on a Cannabis Plant

In this section, we explore the targeted application of colchicine to the apical meristem of a cannabis plant in its vegetative state.

This precise method allows us to induce polyploidy in specific parts of the plant, enabling a direct comparison between polyploid and diploid branches in terms of growth and production.

Materials Needed

Step 1
Safety First

Before starting, ensure you are wearing protective gloves. Colchicine is a potent chemical, and safety should always be your first priority.

Step 2
Selecting the Application Site

Choose either the main apical point or a lateral branch of a vegetative cannabis plant for colchicine application. This decision depends on which part of the plant you want to mutate.

Caution, if an apical cut is made during application, there is a risk that colchicine may affect the entire plant. Therefore, ensure the application is localized to avoid full-plant mutation unless desired.

Step 3
Application of Colchicine

Moisten a small piece of cotton with the colchicine solution and apply it directly to the chosen apical meristem.

Make sure the cotton fully covers the target area to ensure even distribution of the solution. Secure the cotton in place if necessary to prevent it from moving.

After application, cover the plant or the treated area with a plastic bag or cling film to maintain high humidity. This environment is essential for the effectiveness of colchicine.

Maintaining Moisture it’s crucial to keep the cotton moist throughout the treatment period.

This can be achieved by periodically checking the cotton and reapplying the colchicine solution if it starts to dry out. This continuous moisture is essential for the colchicine to be effectively absorbed and to induce polyploidy.

Step 4
Waiting Period

Allow the colchicine to act for 12 to 36 hours, depending on the specific requirements of your experiment and the concentration of the colchicine used.

Step 5
Rinsing

Once the waiting period is over, remove the cotton and thoroughly wash the treated areas with water to remove any residual colchicine.

This step is vital to prevent further absorption of colchicine by the plant.

Step 6
Observation and Documentation

Monitor the treated plant for signs of polyploidy and compare its growth and characteristics with untreated parts of the same plant. Document all observations and results in our site for further analysis.

DONE!

Apical Application of Colchicine on a Cannabis Plant to induce polyploidy