Cannabis Trichomes
Where they form and what they are
The main source of cannabinoids and resin in cannabis plants are trichomes. These are tiny resin-filled spheres produced of cannabis. They serve as a covering for the cannabis plants’ leaves, buds, and branches. It is possible to produce various cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, hash, cannabis oil, etc., thanks to these resin glands.
What is the purpose of trichomes?
Trichomes on cannabis act as a form of defense system. In the wild, female cannabis plants become more susceptible to various insects and animals as they prepare to produce flowers. They also require protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays at these times.
Trichomes make cannabis flowers tasteless and offensive due to their strong aroma and unpleasant flavor. Also, they shield the plants from blustery winds and stop the spread of fungus.
What are the different types of trichomes on cannabis?
Cannabis trichomes appear in a variety of shapes and sizes. The primary ones are:
Bulbous trichomes:
This is the smallest type of trichome. These trichomes can be seen on the plant’s surface. They have a diameter of 10 to 15 micrometers, implying that they are exceedingly small and contain a small number of cells. This kind of trichome is impossible to see with the naked eye.
Capitate sessile trichomes:
Heads and stalks make up these. They differ from the bulbous ones in size. The plant also has a large number of these trichomes. They have sufficient cell density to build a short base and trichome head.
They are 20 to 30 microns wide on average. With the naked eye, they are invisible.
Capitate-stalked trichomes:
These trichomes have a width of roughly 50 to 100 micrometers. These are extremely visible without a magnifying glass as they are quite huge. Their exterior is composed of stalks that are made up of both hypodermic and epidermal cells that come together to form a kind of basal cell.
The gland head continues to be connected to the basal cell. The principal site for the synthesis of terpenoids and cannabinoids is the cuticle layer, which comes next.
Unicellular trichomes:
They don’t have a glandular nature. They are tiny protrusions that extend from the plant’s surface. They lack a resin top that is spherical, nevertheless. It is challenging for predators to attack the plants because of the trichomes. Moreover, they shield the plants from wind and light.
Cystolithic trichomes:
They are likewise non-glandular and lack resin heads. They resemble unicellular trichomes. Trichomes are typically grouped in rows. They appear to be slim, curled hairs.
Antherial sessile trichomes:
Compared to the capitate-stalk trichomes, these trichomes are smaller in size. They are about 80 microns wide. These glandular trichomes have resin caps on top of their stalks, indicating that they are glandular trichomes. The layer of secretory cells in these cannabis trichomes creates terpenes and cannabinoids.
These secretory cells are situated below the basal tissue. There is a head that houses terpenes and cannabinoids in addition to this tissue.
What about trichome production and lifecycle?
Trichomes are protective substances found in cannabis plants. They support the cannabis plants‘ long-term survival so that they can develop seeds and continue their life cycle. Cannabis trichome synthesis is crucial and essential for the survival of life.
There are a few trichomes on immature cannabis plants. To the naked sight, they are still undetectable. As the plants develop, their trichome count rises. As the blooms approach blooming, they progressively become more visible.
The leaves and buds will have a thick layer of cannabis trichomes on them by the time the bloom is complete.
The blossoms seem silver because of this. see delta8 flower
A magnifying glass can be used to examine the trichome formation. You will notice that the production of trichomes steadily rises as harvest time draws near if you have chosen your cannabis seeds carefully or are growing from clones of a mother plant that is already well-known to you. As a result, high-quality buds are produced.