In this episode of the Way We Grow podcast, host Nick Wolfe and guest Jesse from Mothership Labs delve into the intricacies of tissue culture in cannabis cultivation. They discuss the importance of starting with clean genetics, the challenges faced by growers, and the advancements in tissue culture techniques. Jesse shares his early experiences in growing, the mission of Mothership Labs, and the significance of collaboration in the cannabis industry. The conversation also touches on the role of science in cultivation, the challenges of removing hops latent viroid, and the future of tissue culture in cannabis. In this conversation, Jesse and Nick delve into the intricacies of tissue culture in cannabis cultivation, discussing the importance of testing for contamination, the dynamics of photosynthesis, and the role of epigenetics in genetic preservation. They explore the challenges faced in the cannabis industry, the significance of maintaining healthy genetics, and the future of cannabis research and collaboration. The discussion emphasizes the need for standardized practices and the potential for innovative solutions in cannabis cultivation.
00:00 Introduction to Mothership Labs and Tissue Culture
02:54 Jesse’s Journey into Cannabis Cultivation
06:07 Early Growing Experiences and Lessons Learned
11:59 Transitioning to Biotechnology and Tissue Culture
17:52 The Science Behind Tissue Culture in Cannabis
24:07 Challenges and Innovations in Tissue Culture
30:06 Optimizing Tissue Culture Media for Cannabis
35:57 The Future of Cannabis Cultivation and Tissue Culture
38:36 Understanding Light Requirements in Tissue Culture
39:02Photosynthesis and Plant Growth Dynamics
40:14 Sugarless Media and Plant Metabolism
42:46 Light Intensity and Plant Health
44:39 Epigenetics and Plant Stress
46:54 Methylation and Genetic Expression
49:23 Preserving Desired Cultivars through Tissue Culture
51:17 The Role of Tissue Culture in Plant Health
54:24 Resetting Genetics and Removing Contaminants
58:13 Improving Plant Health through Tissue Culture
01:01:05 Best Practices for Initial Explants in Tissue Culture
01:09:42 Starting with Tissue Culture: Nodal vs. Meristem
01:15:31 Best Practices in Tissue Culture
01:21:31 Mothership Labs: Services and Philosophy
01:27:38 Overcoming Barriers in Tissue Culture
01:33:39 Addressing Hops Latent Viroid
01:49:28 Long-Term Viroid Management and Testing
01:51:27 Testing and Confidence in Plant Health
01:52:57 The Importance of Clean Facilities
01:54:12 Strategies for Flushing Facilities
01:56:07 Practical Applications of Tissue Culture
01:58:03 Challenges in Cannabis Cultivation
02:03:02 Future of the Cannabis Industry
02:09:57 Collaboration and Community in Cannabis
02:14:34 Memorable Cannabis Experiences
