Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Cannabis spp.
Variety denomination: ‘NaCl’.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cannabis is the genus of a variety of species—Cannabis sativa, Cannabis ruderalis, and Cannabis indica—which is often used as an umbrella term to refer to them all. This misclassification of the different species has made it difficult to properly distinguish between and understand the best ways to utilize the different varieties of these plants.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that is distinguished by its low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels of less than 0.3%. THC is the only currently known psychoactive compound found in Cannabis, however there are many additional cannabinoid compounds that can be utilized in a variety of ways. The exact concentration results based on lab testing of dried flowers will vary depending on growing conditions of the plant, and sampling, preparation, and testing methods used. THC production, for example, is a natural, chemical defense mechanism for the plant, meaning in high stress or threatening environments the specific plant will produce higher levels of THC. Because of this inconsistency, many state labs are allowing slightly higher levels of THC in the tests as anything under 1% THC has not been proven to have psychoactive effects.
For the purpose of this study on ‘NaCl’, the cannabinoid percentages are recorded based on a plant grown in a high-stress environment to determine the maximum concentration of THC that will be produced by this specific strain. The results conclude that the ‘NaCl’ is a type-III hemp cultivar meaning it does not possess the allele to ever make more than 1% THC (and thus is not suitable for marijuana use). Additionally, ‘NaCl’ is a new, unique variety because it was developed to be a salt tolerant strain and was tested by growing in high salinity, high clay soil with less than optimal nutrient levels and was irrigated with water that had a 300 PPM saline content.
With the recent legalization of hemp in 2018, farmers across the country decided to either convert their old crops or start new fields to grow the more lucrative hemp. In many cases, these farms were established in areas where the soil is less than ideal for hemp. One of the conditions commonly seen is high salinity soil. Having too much salt can cause a number of problems for the plant including but not limited to stunting plant growth, burning root and leaf tips, and blocking uptake of essential nutrients and minerals each of which puts strain on the plants and may even lead to death. Additionally, the environment created by high salinity soil often adds stress to the hemp plants growing in it which creates the risk of increasing THC levels. THC production in Cannabis is a chemical defense mechanism that will be more induced when the plant is grown in less than optimal conditions, experiences competition from pests or weeds, or is subject to too much or too little water, among a number of other stress inducing factors. With the current limited industry regulation and support for farmers, too much salt may destroy their entire crop either directly due to plant death, or indirectly due to testing hot (above 0.3% THC). In either case, it is important for farmers with high salt content in their soil to have a strain that will stay consistent and thrive in these conditions.
‘NaCl’ was developed in a selective breeding program by performing controlled fertilization of known, high-performing hemp varieties. The purpose of the research was to determine what specific cultivars would be able to complete its life cycle with minimal stress in high salinity soil while maintaining a consistent high CBD and low THC profile. The mother was selected from one of ten cultivars grown on a high salt farm in Sonoma County, Calif. The mother was selected because it showed the most resistance to the soil conditions and still maintained its cannabinoid ratio as compared with its clone grown indoors in controlled conditions. The mother was then crossed with twenty different fathers to determine which would carry the salt tolerant trait and consistent cannabinoid levels or even improve upon it. From the seeds produced, 250 of each cultivar was germinated and planted on the high salt farm in Sonoma County. ‘NaCl’ was selected as the best phenotype of the 5,000 plants grown because of its improved resilience to the soil and impressive cannabinoid profile. Additionally, when grown indoors ‘NaCl’ showed resistance to being rootbound and is very hardy in most growing environments, making it a great plant for potentially stress inducing environments. The father that was chosen was a feminized father developed inhouse, which means it was a female plant that was induced to produce pollen sacs in place of typical female buds. The creation of pollen by a female meant that crossing a feminized father with a non-feminized mother would yield 100% feminized plants, meaning they will produce female flowers, because only XX chromosomes were crossed. In addition to its resilience and robust cannabinoid profile, ‘NaCl’ was developed to be feminized so, even when grown from seeds, will be a female plant and produce flower, reducing the risk of a farmer to accidentally pollinate their crop or for pollen drift to affect surrounding farms.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and distinctive hemp cultivar designated as ‘NaCl’. The distinguishing characteristic of the plant being that it thrives in soil that has high levels of salt where conventional hemp plants would be adversely affected.
As used herein, the term “cultivar” is used interchangeably with the terms “variety,” strain,” and/or “clone.”
Progenies have been reproduced asexually via apical stem cuttings from vegetative plants.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying photographs illustrate the new hemp variety:
FIGS. 1A and 1B shows perspective views of ‘NaCl’ seedlings planted outdoors exhibiting vigorous flower growth once flowering began with more lateral growth following the vegetative growth focused on branching;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of ‘NaCl’ on a high salinity test plot next to other phenotypes (sisters) as well as inferior genotypes (different strains).
FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the top of ‘NaCl’ grown indoors (two weeks prior to harvest);
FIGS. 4A and 4B show detailed perspective views of the top of ‘NaCl’ grown outdoors (four weeks prior to harvest);
FIGS. 5A-5E show perspective views of ‘NaCl’ on a high salinity test plot next to other genotypes (different strains).
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION ‘NaCl’ has been examined in manipulated conditions grown both indoors and outdoors. For the purpose of developmental research, ‘NaCl’ was grown outdoors in high salinity soil to test resilience and cloned indoors in a controlled environment to monitor and ensure stabilized genetics. The variety has not been grown in all possible conditions, thus different environmental factors alter the appearance or composition of this phenotype. The individual has been reproduced asexually via apical stem cuttings from vegetative plants in Sonoma, Calif. Additionally, ‘NaCl’ has a stable seed line and remains stable and reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.
In the following description, the color determination is in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Charts, Fifth Edition, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. Note that variation in color for the same plant on the leaves and stalks can be a result of different nutrient formulas and different amounts of watering. Coloration should only be used as a general picture rather than the distinguishing features. Additionally, length and size of plant parts is dependent on zone, length of growth season, space, and nutrients so may vary between plants.
TABLE I
General
Characteristics New Variety (‘NaCl’)
Plant Type Herbaceous plant (herb)
Plant Growth Habit Upright, dioecious, annual, no
hermaphrodite, or monoecious
tendencies without stress
conditions
Plant origin ‘NaCl’ was created in a selective
breeding program from a cross
between the Mother, CC, hemp
variety and the Feminized Father,
G, hemp variety.
Plant Propagation Asexually reproduced via apical
stem cutting and cloning from
mother in vegetative state.
Propagation ease Easy
Propagation 80° F., 90% humidity, for 1 week
Condition
Height (unit: feet) Outdoors may reach 8-10 feet at
maturity
Indoors may reach 3-5 feet at
maturity depending on growth
conditions
Width (unit: feet) Dependent on zone, length of
growth season.
Outdoors may reach 6-8 feet at
maturity
Indoors may reach 2 feet
depending on growth conditions
This plant generally grows round
naturally, with strong vertical
and lateral branching.
Time to Harvest 60 Days from Induction of
flowering light cycle
Resistance to Pests May be susceptible to
or disease Podosphaera macularis
(Powdery Mildew)
Resistance to high salt conditions
and some adverse soil conditions
(high clay and alkaline).
Exhibits resistance to Tetranychu
surticae (Mite), Myzus persicae
(Green Peach Aphid), Phorodon
cannabis (Bhang Aphid), Myzus
persicae (Green Peach Aphid),
and Aphis fabae (Black Bean
Aphid).
Genetically No
Modified
Organism?
Parental Variety (CC) (Female
Characteristics Plant)
Plant Type Herbaceous plant (herb)
Plant Growth Habit Upright, dioecious, annual, no
hermaphrodite or monoecious
tendencies without stress conditions
Plant origin Origin unknown
Plant Propagation Asexually reproduced via apical stem
cutting and cloning from mother in
vegetative state
Propagation ease Easy
Propagation 80° F., 90% humidity
Condition
Height (unit: feet) Outdoors may reach 8-10 feet at
maturity
Indoors, may reach 3-4 feet
depending on growth conditions
Width (unit: feet) Outdoors may reach 6-8 feet
Indoors may reach 1-2 feet
Time to Harvest 60 Days from Induction of flowering
light cycle
Resistance to Pests More prone to Podosphaera
or disease macularis (Powdery Mildew).
Genetically No
Modified
Organism?
TABLE II
Leaf/Foliage
Characteristics New Variety (‘NaCl’)
Leaf Arrangement Spiral alternate leaf arrangement
when grown from clones.
Seedlings will initially have leaf
and branching that appears
opposite at first and progresses
to a more spiral alternate as the
plant grows more. The nodes
will still have a small internode,
followed by a larger internode
then another small one, repeated
with the small internodes
increasing in size higher up on
the plant in the newer growth.
Leaf Shape Palmately compound with 7-9
leaflets in mature growth.
Leaf Structure Serrated margins with long,
slender lanceolate leaflets. Apex
is acuminate but narrows
enough to almost be aristate and
the base is acuminate. Overall
the leaflets are long and slender
with even tapering from the
middle of the leaflets.
Leaf Margins Serrated margins with both the
inner and outer sides of the
serration more convex. The tip
of the serration slightly curls
and angles up to have a more
accentuated point that points
towards the apex and ended
points perpendicularly up from
the top of the leaf. Some of the
teeth are doubly serrated.
Leaf Hairs Absent
Leaf Length with 12-17 cm
Petiole at Maturity
Petiole Length at 3-6 cm
Maturity
Petiole Color (RHS 149B
Number)
Anthocyanin color Slightly present on top of the
and intensity in petiole closer to the leaflet node.
Petioles
Stipule length at 3-9 mm
maturity
Stipule shape Very slender, almost lance
shaped but with a slightly
broader base that makes it
appear more triangular with a
tapering, acuminate apex.
Stipule Color (RHS 149B
Number)
Number of Leaflets 5-9 throughout life cycle
Middle Largest 8-12 cm
(longest leaflet)
length
Middle Largest 1.5-3 cm
(longest leaflet)
width
Middle Largest About 5:1 to 4:1
(longest Leaflet)
length:width Ratio
Number of teeth of 34-42
middle leaflet
Leaf (upper side) 141B to 134A
color (RHS
Number)
Leaf (lower side) 142A to 142B
color (RHS
Number)
Leaf Glossiness Not glossy, bottom and top are
matte
Vein/midrib shape Mid veins branch palmately
with the leaflets. 2° veins branch
pinnately from midveins
towards the serration apex and
are parallel to one another with
minimal curve. The 3° slightly
branch pinnately from midvein
between the 2° veins and from
the 2° veins. Some 3° go towards
the margin indent between the
serrations; only these and
coming off mid-veins are visible
from bottom. Indentation of 1°
and 2° veins can be seen from
the top.
Vein/midrib color 149B
(RHS Number)
Aroma Mature buds smell like Pepper
and Fruit wine.
Parental Variety (CC) (Female
Characteristics Plant)
Leaf Arrangement Spirally alternate when grown from a
cutting. Stalk alternates directions
back and forth between branches.
Leaf Shape Palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets
throughout the life cycle.
Leaf Structure Serrated margins. Elliptical leaf with
tapering base and apex. Middle
section of leaflets are wide.
Leaf Margins Evenly serrated. Point of serration is
more acuminate/tapering to a point.
Inner and outer sides of serrations are
convex.
Leaf Hairs Absent
Leaf Length with 13.1-19 cm
Petiole at Maturity
Petiole Length at 3.5-5cm
Maturity
Petiole Color (RHS 150A
Number)
Anthocyanin color Purple to green
and intensity in
Petioles
Stipule length at 1.5-3 mm
maturity
Stipule shape Very small, lance shape.
Broad/rounded base with
acuminate/long tapering apex.
Stipule Color (RHS 150A
Number)
Number of Leaflets 5 to 7 throughout life cycle
Middle Largest 9.3-13 cm
(longest leaflet)
length
Middle Largest 2-4 cm
(longest leaflet)
width
Middle Largest About 4:1
(longest Leaflet)
length:width Ratio
Number of teeth of 23-25
middle leaflet
Leaf (upper side) N144C
color (RHS
Number)
Leaf (lower side) 149B
color (RHS
Number)
Leaf Glossiness Bottom is matte, top has slight light
reflection but not shiny
Vein/midrib shape Midvein is palmate with leaflets. 2°
veins are pinnate and straight. 3° are
also palmate and branch from 1° and
2° veins. All three types are slightly
visible from the top.
Vein/midrib color 149C
(RHS Number)
Aroma Spicy pepper with a sweet floral
aroma.
TABLE III
Stern
Characteristics New Variety (‘NaCl’)
Stem Shape Has slightly angular ridges
throughout the length of the
plant, but not furrowed with
indentations as some strains are.
The stalks grow very parallel
and straight up with minimal
bending even with heavy
flowers. Newer growth has more
ridges (~7-8) while old growth
has fewer (~4-5).
Stem Diameter at 2-13 cm
Base
Stem Color 149A to 150A
Stem Pith Type Thick to woody
Stem Internode 2.5-4.0 cm
Length
Parental Variety (CC) (Female
Characteristics Plant)
Stem Shape At maturity, round and in the
bottom/trunk of the plant, growth
appears woody. Immature or new
growth has ridges, approximately
pentagonal in shape. Between nodes,
the stem angles slightly to give a zig-
zag appearance.
Stem Diameter at 3-12 cm
Base
Stem Color 144A to 146A
Stem Pith Type Moderate to thick
Stem Internode 2.5-4.0 cm
Length
TABLE IV
Inflorescence
Characteristics New Variety (‘NaCl’)
Flowering Dioecious, but only has female
(blooming) habit flowers. Large flower:leaf ratio.
Having robust flowers on every
branch. Flowers are more spread
out near the base of the stems
and become more clustered and
overlapping near the terminal
ends of the branches. The leaves
are prominent at the base of each
flower but are much less
apparent as the flower grows,
leaving mostly buds.
Proportion of Around 100%, very stable
female plants dioecious when grown from
regular seed so only has female
characteristics
Inflorescence Above branches at nodes. Slight
Position pedicles allow the flowers to
grow more above the flower and
not be hindered by the location
of the stem intruding on the bud
formation. Pedicles are smaller
or less prominent near the
terminal ends of the branches
where flowers grow closer
together.
Flower Overlapping, congested,
arrangement individual flowers grow in
clumps along branches. Flowers
are stacked or clustered at
maturity much more prominently
near the terminal end of the
branches and slightly more
spread out centrally on the
branches.
Number of Flowers Hundreds to thousands per plant.
per plant
Flower shape Minimal symmetry, some buds
grow clustered and appear to
have multiple apexes on one
flower. The entire flower is
generally more cylindrical with
robust growth from the base up
but tapers near the apex to create
a conical top. The base of the
flower has more fan leaves
radiating around it and as the bud
begins to narrow, there are few to
no leaves present.
Flower (individual 5-10 mm
pistillate) length
Flower (compound 3-13 cm
cyme) diameter
Corolla No defined corolla.
Corolla Color N/A
(RHS number)
Bract shape Small, ovate with tapering apex.
Difficult to locate because buds
are broader and so are the bracts
to cover.
Bract color (RHS 144B
number)
Bracteole shape Same as bract. More within the
(general flower cluster. Hard to identify
description) without dissection.
Bracteole color 144B
(RHS number)
Calyx Shape N/A
(general
description)
Calyx color (RHS N/A
number)
Stigma shape Ovate shape with long tapering
apex where 2 spindle-like styles
protrude.
Stigma length 2-6 mm
Stigma color (RHS Newly emerged, they are milky
number) white with a slight greenish hue.
Trichome shape Capitate stalked gland, long stalk
with smaller bulb on top. In
mature plants grow on flowers
and leaves.
Cystolithic non- On leaves farther from bud.
glandular Leaves grow trichomes that
appear glandular when
surrounding the flowers.
Trichome color Opaque, white, creamy color
(RHS number) (#145D) but changes from clear
translucent to slight auburn
translucent with maturity/when
ready to harvest.
Terminal Bud Terminal bud is more
shape symmetrical due to less
obstruction from stem. In
general, flower is generally more
cylindrical from the base up with
a relatively consistent diameter
until the apex of the bud that
begins to narrow. Terminal buds
are slightly longer that inner
buds.
Terminal Bud color Est. 144A to 144B
(RHS number)
Pedicle Present in varying lengths
depending on maturity and
location of bud
Staminate shape N/A
Sepal color (RHS N/A
number)
Pollen description N/A
Seed description Light brown, oval, solitary, 3-
7 mm in length. Typically weigh
.01-.03 g. Variation observed due
to environmental conditions.
white lines that look like veins
between some of the vertical lines.
Marbling of seed Minimal.
Petal description N/A, Apetalous
Parental Variety (CC) (Female
Characteristics Plant)
Flowering Dioecious, so grows pistillate flowers
(blooming) habit at nodes. Once branching also occurs
at the node, the flower will grow
above the branch before producing a
flower. Flowers grow very bulbous,
almost spherical. Leaves surrounding
the buds radiate and are more present
around apical buds.
Proportion of 50% grown from seed, normal
female plants dioecious plant
Inflorescence Above.
Position
Flower Overlapping, congested, individual
arrangement flowers grow in spherical formation.
Flowers are stacked or clustered at
maturity.
Number of Flowers Hundreds to thousands per plant.
per plant
Flower shape Has mostly radial symmetry with
leaves growing all around the
flowers. Because of its separation
from other buds, it generally grows
spherically.
Flower (individual 7-13 mm
pistillate) length
Flower (compound 2-11 cm
cyme) diameter
Corolla No defined corolla.
Corolla Color N/A
(RHS number)
Bract shape Broad /rounded base with long,
tapering apex. Longer and more
prominent than offspring.
Bract color (RHS 150A
number)
Bracteole shape Same as bract, further enclosed in
(general flower so hard to identify without
description) dissection.
Bracteole color 150A
(RHS number)
Calyx Shape Not Present
(general
description)
Calyx color (RHS N/A
number)
Stigma shape Ovate shape with broad base and
tapering apex with 1-2 styles
protruding. Generally smaller and
broader than offspring.
Stigma length 5-8 mm
Stigma color (RHS 150A
number)
Trichome shape Capitate stalked gland, stalk is
shorter than offspring. In mature
plants grow on flowers and petioles.
Cystolithic non- Present on leaves.
glandular
Trichome color Opaque/white but changes with
(RHS number) maturity/when ready to harvest.
Terminal Bud More radial symmetry from leaves
shape growing without obstruction from
stem.
Terminal Bud color 145B to 145D
(RHS number)
Pedicle Present but shorter than the offspring
Staminate shape N/A
Sepal color (RHS N/A
number)
Pollen description N/A
Seed description Seeds are 2-3 mm in length. The
seeds have vertical lines along the
sides of the seed but only 3-5 per
seed. The seed is a light brown with
white lines that look like veins
between some of the vertical lines.
Marbling of seed There is no marbling.
Petal description N/A
TABLE V
Other Characteristics
Characteristics New Variety (‘NaCl’)
Time period and Flower production is initiated
condition of when plants are taken from
flowering/blooming vegetative growth at 24-hour
light and switched to 12 hours of
light followed by 12 hours of
dark during what would be the
nocturnal period. Flowers are
mature typically 75 days after
flowering light cycle is initiated.
Proportion of None
hermaphrodite plants
Hardiness of plant Salt and drought tolerant and
grows well on several different,
diverse nutrient formulas. Also
tolerant to clay soil and small
rootzone conditions (i.e., indoor
pots).
Breaking action Above average, very sturdy.
Seed Shattering Minimal
Root rate after Has exhibited 100% success at
cutting/cloning new root development after
cloning. Adventitious roots
appear at 10-14 days.
Total THC and CBD Total CBD content: 12.6%
Content at harvest Total THC content: 0.53%
maturity Total CBD:THC Ratio: 25:1
Parental Variety (CC) (Female
Characteristics Plant)
Time period and Flower production is initiated when
condition of plants are taken from vegetative
flowering/blooming growth at 24-hour light and
switched to 12 hours of light
followed by 12 hours of dark
during what would be the nocturnal
period. Flowers mature typically 75
days after the flowering light cycle
is initiated.
Proportion of None
hermaphrodite plants
Hardiness of plant Tolerant to salty soil and drought
conditions.
Breaking action Above average, very sturdy.
Seed Shattering Minimal
Root rate after Has exhibited 100% success at new
cutting/cloning root development after cloning.
Adventitious roots appear at 10-14
days.
Total THC and CBD Total CBD content: 15.5%
Content at harvest Total THC content: 0.77%
maturity Total CBD:THC Ratio: 20:1
The botanical descriptions provided are generalizing from plants grown indoors in controlled conditions and outdoors in high salinity soil. Total potential cannabinoid content is measured using a formula to account for decarboxylation of the acidic forms to allow for more accurate estimation. The formulas used are provided for convenience:
Total THC=THC+(THCA*(0.877));
Total CBD=CBD+(CBDA*(0.877)).
The G feminized father, similar to its offspring, has alternate, palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets when immature and up to 7 at maturity. The leaflets have jagged serrate margins with the tooth apex angled towards the leaflet apex and about 20-28 teeth per leaflet. The leaves with the petiole are about 11-15 cm long and the petiole alone is about 3-4 cm long. The middle largest leaflet is about 8-11 cm long and 3-4 cm wide for about a 3:1 length to width ratio. The father has significantly broader leaflets than ‘NaCl’ which likely resembles the leaf structure more of the mother. Generally, the GFF variety has the potential to produce 11% CBD and 0.5% THC which is less than ‘NaCl’. Other physical differences are present between ‘NaCl’ and the GFF father due to the different appearances between male and female sex organs since the father is a feminized female. For example, both feminized and non-feminized female plants have thick buds at the apex of the stems, however, where a non-feminized female produces buds, a feminized female produces pollen sacs. The other structural differences are prominent due to the difference in the two genotypes with GFF resembling more of an indica dominant plant with broad shorter leaflets and resembling that in growth. ‘NaCl’ is more similar to a sativa dominant plant because it grows much skinnier and taller than the GFF and is more structurally similar to the CC mother than the GFF father.
When compared to the CC mother, ‘NaCl’ is generally more robust and hardier and is larger by about 20%. ‘NaCl’ has more leaflets and serrations with 7-9 leaflets and 34-42 teeth per leaflet through maturity where the CC has only 5-7 leaflets with 23-25 teeth per leaflet. Additionally, the ‘NaCl’ is a much more resilient plant compared to the CC mother which will become incredibly stressed in wet or humid environments and only thrives in desert climates. ‘NaCl’ did inherit its tolerance to high salinity from its CC mother but was improved upon in further breeding making it even more resilient. CC is much more temperamental and harder to manage indoors, but will do better outside. ‘NaCl’ on the other hand will exhibit impressive growth whether grown inside or outside. The flowers on ‘NaCl’ are also much more elongated and denser than CC which has more radial symmetry and is much more spherical in appearance than cylindrical.
When compared to the Cannabis sativa Hemp variety ‘CW24’, the ‘NaCl’ grows generally taller and is more resilient. ‘CW24’ was one of the initial 10 mothers tested in high salt soil but was not nearly as stress resistant or tolerant of the poor soil conditions compared to the CC mother. The same lack of resilience can be seen when comparing ‘CW24’ to ‘NaCl’. The leaves have generally fewer leaflets on ‘CW24’ and are often narrower with fewer serrations with 19-29 teeth per leaflet compared to 34-42 on ‘NaCl’. Additionally, the ‘NaCl’ has larger internodes throughout the plant which results in more spread buds that cluster only near the apical ends of branches, where ‘CW24’ has overlapping buds throughout the branches. The flowers on ‘CW24’ are more of a compressed oval shape compared to the more cylindrical appearance with a pointed apex found on ‘NaCl’. Mature ‘NaCl’ flowers also have a peppery and fruity aroma compared to the earthy aroma of ‘CW24’. ‘NaCl’ has a CBD:THC ratio of 25:1 with CBD at about 13% compared to ‘CW24’ of 23:1 with CBD only about 5-8%.
- Growth conditions:
-
- Vegetative growth period.—24-hour light continuously. 78° F. and 60% humidity.
- Flower production period.—12-hour light followed by 12-hour dark cycle repeating. 78° F. and 45% humidity.
- Outdoor growth: ‘NaCl’ was developed by being grown outdoors on a farm located in Sonoma County, Calif. that has high salinity soil due to annual flooding from its proximity to a saltwater slough. The plants were planted as 30-day clones late in the season, Aug. 13, 2020, resulting in an earlier flowering and smaller plants. The mother strain was also tested on this farm, but all breeding was done indoors in a controlled environment. The ‘NaCl’ plant has the potential to reach a maximum of 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Compared to indoor growth, the plant will be more robust and have a faster growth rate with wider leaves. When grown outdoors, the father, G, variety will reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 7 feet wide and the mother, CC, variety will reach 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
- Vigor: Exhibits most vigorous and rapid growth, showing little stress in most growing environments.
- Coloration: Changes in coloration occur with nutrient deficiencies or other variation in growing maintenance.
