Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast

My guest for this episode is Dr. Wendy Zellner.
Dr. Zellner received her doctorate from the University of Toledo in 2012, where she trained in molecular and cellular biology with a focus on the role of silicon in plant defense responses. She then completed a four-year postdoctoral position with the USDA-ARS, continuing her research on how silicon can alleviate both abiotic and biotic stress in crops such as tomato and tobacco.
Her work has included developing standard methods for quantifying silicon uptake from fertilizer materials, identifying uptake mechanisms for silicon in model species, and evaluating how those pathways function across a range of crop systems.
In this conversation we cover:
The role of silicon in plant physiology and structure
Silicon and plant defense against abiotic and biotic stress
How plants take up and utilize silicon
Misconceptions around silicon fertilizers and supplements
Practical considerations for growers using silicon inputs
This remains one of the most comprehensive discussions we’ve had on silicon and plant health, and it continues to be highly relevant for growers looking to better understand how this element functions within a complete fertility program.

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Guest: Julie Graesch
Biological Scientist | IPM Specialist
Currently with BioWorks
Formerly: BASF, Becker Underwood, Iowa State University
Topics Covered:
What “entomopathogenic fungi” actually means
How fungi like Beauveria and Metarhizium infect insect pests
Differences between blastospores and conidia
Why formulation and environmental conditions matter
Common reasons fungal biocontrol applications fail
Preventative vs. reactive use of entomopathogenic fungi
Integrating fungal biologicals into a broader IPM strategy
Key Takeaways:
Entomopathogenic fungi are biological tools, not chemical knockdowns
Understanding fungal life cycles improves consistency and outcomes
Blastospores behave differently than traditional spore formulations
Successful IPM relies on timing, environment, and integration—not rescue sprays

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n this conversation with plant scientist and commercial cultivation strategist Dr. Matthew Indest, we explore the emerging frontier of seed-based cannabis production and what it would take for the industry to move beyond clonal propagation.
We cover:
The agronomic upside of seed-grown plants (disease resistance, vigor, adaptability, cost savings)
The scientific and operational barriers preventing widespread seed adoption
How genetic stability, inbreeding depression, and trait selection differ between cannabis and traditional crops
Data-driven cultivation strategies for evaluating new seed lines
Whether seed-based production can truly rival clonal systems for consistency and top-tier flower quality
What the next decade of cannabis breeding and cultivation might look like
About Dr. Indest:
Matthew holds a Ph.D. in plant science and has spent more than a decade bridging academic research with applied cannabis production. He has led breeding and cultivation programs across indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor operations and focuses on developing high-performing cultivars and integrated, data-backed production systems.

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This wide-ranging conversation with Bryant Mason covers a series of essential—but frequently misunderstood—topics in organic cultivation. We explore why simple, low-tech data collection strategies often outperform high-tech systems and how to interpret those readings in the real world. From there, we break down how pH truly behaves in biologically active soils, what your water test results do and don’t tell you, and how water chemistry shapes nutrient availability.
We also discuss practical considerations for under-canopy lighting, when it helps and when it’s a distraction, and dig into the recurring challenges Bryant sees around phosphorus and nitrogen management in living soil. Throughout the episode we jump between concepts, case studies, and troubleshooting insights that growers can apply immediately.
Topics Covered:
Low-tech monitoring and data-collection approaches
pH dynamics in organic systems
Water testing and interpreting results
Under-canopy lighting: pros, cons, and real-world use
Phosphorus and nitrogen management in living soil
Practical troubleshooting and decision-making strategies

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In this conversation, Tad and Dr. David Hawley (Chief Science Officer at Fluence) unpack what really matters when dialing in your lighting strategy for cannabis and other high-value crops. They get deep into how plants perceive light, what “good spectrum” actually means, and how to think about intensity, uniformity, and plant response in a more scientific (and practical) way.
Topics covered include:
Understanding Daily Light Integral (DLI) and how it relates to plant metabolism
When to use far-red and what to expect from it
The truth about UV lighting and secondary metabolite production
Managing leaf temperature and avoiding hidden stress from high PPFD
How fixture placement and uniformity impact yield and morphology
Using dimming strategies through different growth stages
Why overemphasizing spectrum specs can distract from the real gains
Practical steps for mapping your grow and verifying performance
David also shares insights on under-canopy lighting, canopy architecture, and the future of horticultural light design, offering takeaways for both commercial cultivators and serious home growers.
Resources mentioned:
Fluence by OSRAM
KiS Organics Living Soil & Nutrients

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