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The Functions of Cannabis Stomata

Written by Ed Rushford Feb 09 2022

Stomata are small openings on the bottom of cannabis leaves. These openings are tiny so use a magnifying glass to see them. The plant’s portion absorbs carbon dioxide while releasing water and oxygen. Plants employ a beautifully built suction system to open and close their stomata, essential for plant growth. When you change the stimuli in a plant’s environment, you change the position of the stomata. To develop the best cannabis, it is critical to understand the procedures that the cannabis plant uses.

What are stomata?

Stomata are the plants’ doors and windows. They are structures that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and water. It is ideal for cannabis stomata to absorb as much CO2 as possible to assist photosynthesis. However, if the stomata remain open for an extended period, the plant will suffer from a loss of moisture. Because stomata must be either open or closed, the plant continually balances moisture loss and CO2 absorption. The growing environment and general plant health are all factors in finding this equilibrium. You can control the opening and closing of the stomata by altering the surroundings.

How do stomata function

Light, plant carbon dioxide levels, and changes in ambient variables all influence the opening and closing of stomata. Humidity is an example of an environmental factor that affects the stomatal opening and shutting. Stomata are open when humidity levels are optimal. More water vapor would diffuse from the plant into the air if humidity levels around the plant’s leaves decreased due to higher temperatures or windy circumstances. Plants must seal their stomata under these conditions to prevent excessive water loss. Diffusion causes stomata to open and close. Stomata must shut to avoid dehydration in hot and dry situations when considerable water loss due to evaporation.

Guard cells rapidly pump potassium ions (K +) out of themselves and into neighboring cells. As a result, water in the expanded guard cells moves osmotically from a low solute concentration area (guard cells) to a high solute concentration area (surrounding cells). The guard cells decrease as a result of water loss. The stomatal pore shuts as a result of this shrinkage. When environmental conditions necessitate stomata opening, potassium ions are vigorously pushed back into the guard cells from the surrounding cells. Water enters guard cells osmotically, causing them to inflate and bend. The holes are opened as the guard cells enlarge. Through open stomata, the plant absorbs carbon dioxide for use in photosynthesis. Oxygen and water vapor are also released into the atmosphere through open stomata.

Responses of stomata to climate

Stomata follow their sun cycles, similar to our biological rhythms. They open throughout the day and close at night to keep moisture in. They are also impacted by a range of other stimuli, including light intensity, CO2 concentration, and humidity. The stomata’s cyclical opening and closing mechanism is a complex process influenced by a variety of inputs. The system is sophisticated, with numerous guards to assist the plant in protecting itself. Considering that if the plant’s core system fails, it will not develop or survive. The botanical study has connected the plant’s flexible systems to brain functions in which new components can assist fill in for lost abilities. If one element of the plant fails, another component will take over.

Responses of stomata to CO2 and light intensity

The amount of light determines the extent of the stomata opening. The greater the aperture, the more light there is. However, the process is chemical. Intense light reduces the concentration of CO2 in a leaf, and when the CO2 level drops, the guard cells are told to open and absorb more. The facility will try to strike a balance between external and internal CO2.

Stomata in cannabis leaves
Stomata are small openings on the bottom of cannabis leaves

Unfortunately, a high level of external CO2 will reduce stomatal openings, causing the leaves to burn and turn yellow. This is why ventilation is critical: cooling the plant can help to prevent this. CO2 concentrations of roughly 1500 ppm are optimal for CO2 absorption.

Controlling stomata with cannabis grow lights

Surprisingly, the spectrum of light absorbed has a considerable influence on stomata reactions. The blue end of the spectrum outperforms the red. When exposed to blue light, stomata open the greatest. However, be cautious: this may give the impression that you can influence the processes of the stomata using colored LEDs. Do not attempt it! The plant’s optimization system is delicately balanced, and you don’t want to change the ratio of CO2 absorption to water loss drastically. HPI and HPS lamps are still the best lighting options for indoor cultivators.

Stomata and moisture

A plant’s reaction to moisture levels is a complicated interplay between its internal moisture levels and those of its surroundings. All water absorbed by the roots and dispersed by the leaves is used. Stomata close when a plant’s water supply (internal moisture) is low. Although photosynthesis is disrupted, this can keep a plant from drying up and dying. The warmth of the plant is more harmful than the lack of CO2. Cannabis stomata are the plant’s technique of cooling itself, and as they close, the leaves become hotter, resulting in even more evaporation (some water can escape even when stomata are closed). This loops back to the low internal moisture.

The reduced evaporation and cooling mean that the air humidity in the plants’ habitat will start to fall. As a result, the gap between the humidity in the room and the plant’s internal moisture would widen even further. This cycle will eventually prohibit the plant from saving as much water as expected. Plants regularly exposed to high humidity do not need to seal their stomata. In this environment, there is no risk of moisture loss. On the other hand, plants have no adaption for this, most likely due to their evolution in arid regions. This serves as a timely warning that plants may not always respond appropriately to stress. Don’t forget to look after your plants!

Understanding the cannabis stomata is vital, but it is only one equation element. A variety of factors contribute to good culture and growth. It is critical to understand the plant’s components and their procedures.

Ed Rushford

Ed Rushford’s impact on cannabis growing is undeniable. Though he tends to focus primarily on 2 areas, plant training techniques and dealing with disease, pests, and other problems, he has offered many insights into how cannabis plants live and grow. That’s not to say that Ed is unfamiliar with the complete life cycle of cannabis, from seed to harvest, but he uses his widespread knowledge to hone in on the minutia and niche areas of growing cannabis. Ed’s goal is to spread knowledge and allow for everyone to become better growers. About this Author

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