Steep Hill
Member
Genkits and how they work:
A Genkit is a DNA-based diagnostic that enables growers to identify male cannabis plants as early as the second leaf set, which is naturally too early to determine the sex of the plant. Genkits specify DNA sequences, such as a sequence unique to the Y Chromosome, which is the DNA sequence of a male plant. The Steep Hill Genkit is a mail-in test designed to be both user-friendly and efficient. All Genkit testing packets are color and QR-coded to ensure easy labeling to avoid cross-contamination. The kit features easy-to-follow steps: test the plant by taking a tissue sample as early as the second leaf set using the non-contaminating envelope slicer and sealer provided in the kit. Once the eight cannabis plant samples are collected, send the Genkit back to the Steep Hill California lab. The kit will come with a user guide that will provide more detailed instructions. Once at the lab, the Genkit will analyze the samples of plants for the absence or presence of the Y Chromosome DNA sequence by amplifying the region containing that sequence. Steep Hill conducts genetic testing with a qPCR machine, which is a technique that allows us to not only detect but characterize and quantify the data of nucleic acids. Results are generally reported within 5 days of arrival at the lab.
Why identifying males is imperative for growers:
Identifying a male seedling early on is crucial for cannabis breeders and producers. Genetic testing also benefits cannabis sellers and consumers because of accurate plant labels. Male and female cannabis plants are phenotypically similar until maturation. The Genkit's ability to determine plant sex at very early stages in the young plant's life cycle enables growers to separate the males from the females to avoid cross-pollination and seed production. Studies have shown that cannabis pollen can drift across 3 to 7.5 miles and reach over 30 miles in high winds.
The isolation of male cannabis plants enables the females to grow abundant and seedless buds called sensimilla (the resinous buds consumers purchase at dispensaries). Unfertilized females use the energy originally designated for reproduction to produce higher levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. It is important to note that the Steep Hill Genkit does not identify if females have tendencies to hermaphrodite.
Benefits of the Genkit:
A Genkit can ultimately save time and expenses during cannabis cultivation. Eliminating undesirable plants results in a higher desired plant yield. Be proactive in identifying male plants before cross-pollination or seed production occurs. Grow efficiently with Steep Hill’s Genkit.
This month of August, Steep Hill is promoting its plant sex testing services! Visit https://linktr.ee/steephill to sign up and learn more.
References
Genetic Testing is Key for Successful Cannabis Engineering, Production, and Purchasing. Lab Manager. (n.d.). https://www.labmanager.com/insights/genetic-testing-is-key-for-successful-cannabis-engineering-production-and-purchasing-22851.
Lakna. (2018, February 14). Difference Between PCR and QPCR: Definition, Processes, Uses, and Differences. Pediaa.Com. https://pediaa.com/difference-between-pcr-and-qpcr/.
Steep Hill ships GenKit direct! Buy online - enjoy bulk discounts. Steep Hill. (n.d.). https://store.steephill.com/.
A Genkit is a DNA-based diagnostic that enables growers to identify male cannabis plants as early as the second leaf set, which is naturally too early to determine the sex of the plant. Genkits specify DNA sequences, such as a sequence unique to the Y Chromosome, which is the DNA sequence of a male plant. The Steep Hill Genkit is a mail-in test designed to be both user-friendly and efficient. All Genkit testing packets are color and QR-coded to ensure easy labeling to avoid cross-contamination. The kit features easy-to-follow steps: test the plant by taking a tissue sample as early as the second leaf set using the non-contaminating envelope slicer and sealer provided in the kit. Once the eight cannabis plant samples are collected, send the Genkit back to the Steep Hill California lab. The kit will come with a user guide that will provide more detailed instructions. Once at the lab, the Genkit will analyze the samples of plants for the absence or presence of the Y Chromosome DNA sequence by amplifying the region containing that sequence. Steep Hill conducts genetic testing with a qPCR machine, which is a technique that allows us to not only detect but characterize and quantify the data of nucleic acids. Results are generally reported within 5 days of arrival at the lab.
Why identifying males is imperative for growers:
Identifying a male seedling early on is crucial for cannabis breeders and producers. Genetic testing also benefits cannabis sellers and consumers because of accurate plant labels. Male and female cannabis plants are phenotypically similar until maturation. The Genkit's ability to determine plant sex at very early stages in the young plant's life cycle enables growers to separate the males from the females to avoid cross-pollination and seed production. Studies have shown that cannabis pollen can drift across 3 to 7.5 miles and reach over 30 miles in high winds.
The isolation of male cannabis plants enables the females to grow abundant and seedless buds called sensimilla (the resinous buds consumers purchase at dispensaries). Unfertilized females use the energy originally designated for reproduction to produce higher levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. It is important to note that the Steep Hill Genkit does not identify if females have tendencies to hermaphrodite.
Benefits of the Genkit:
A Genkit can ultimately save time and expenses during cannabis cultivation. Eliminating undesirable plants results in a higher desired plant yield. Be proactive in identifying male plants before cross-pollination or seed production occurs. Grow efficiently with Steep Hill’s Genkit.
This month of August, Steep Hill is promoting its plant sex testing services! Visit https://linktr.ee/steephill to sign up and learn more.
References
Genetic Testing is Key for Successful Cannabis Engineering, Production, and Purchasing. Lab Manager. (n.d.). https://www.labmanager.com/insights/genetic-testing-is-key-for-successful-cannabis-engineering-production-and-purchasing-22851.
Lakna. (2018, February 14). Difference Between PCR and QPCR: Definition, Processes, Uses, and Differences. Pediaa.Com. https://pediaa.com/difference-between-pcr-and-qpcr/.
Steep Hill ships GenKit direct! Buy online - enjoy bulk discounts. Steep Hill. (n.d.). https://store.steephill.com/.