report - Squarespace

REPORT Study Results for Nature-Cide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Cannabis Cultivation The information generated in this report spans an eighteen month period where legal medical cannabis was cultivated in the state of California under Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. This cultivation study explores the entire plant lifespan including Cloning, Vegetative, Flowering, Harvesting, Curing and 3rd Party testing. The participants of this study are licensed pest control operators in the state of California for agriculture. While conducting this cultivation the pest control method used is known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The strategy included the use of natural pesticides that fall under federal guidelines of FIFRA Section 25(b) for exemptions. These products are approved by agriculture departments for Cannabis Cultivation in multiple states. STUDY The use of Nature-Cide IPM Strategies & Pesticides for Cannabis Cultivation EXPERIMENTAL START DATE August 1st, 2015 EXPERIMENTAL COMPLETION DATE March 15th, 2017 REPORT DATE March 2017 SPONSOR Nature-Cide

The work conducted in this report was done by individuals holding current California physician recommendations for use of medical cannabis as well as holding QAL credentials. Test results were generated by an accredited 3rd party laboratory.

1

Objective The objective of this study was to explore the process of growing high-grade medical marijuana that resulted in high yields using an Integrated Pest Management strategy and without the use of chemical pesticides.

Testing Environment All work created for this report was conducted in a fully controlled environment; the Med-X, Inc. owned six hundred square foot laboratory that contains a 15’ x 15’ medical grade indoor cultivation room. This laboratory underwent routine Integrated Pest Management (IPM) cleaning protocols to ensure the entire facility remained pest-free at all times. The facility floors, walls, doorways, equipment and all tools were regularly treated (weekly and sometimes daily) and wiped clean with Nature-Cide All-Purpose insecticide. This process included spraying the Nature-Cide All-Purpose insecticide directly on Nature-Cide personnel’s shoes and clothing as a precaution. Indoor cultivation equipment used during this study included; forced air climate control, reverse osmosis water supply, holding tanks, PH reading equipment, metal halide/high-pressure sodium lighting/fixtures and Co2 disbursement/monitoring equipment.

Experiment Beginning on August 1, 2015 Nature-Cide staff members collected various cloned strains of medical cannabis from respected 3rd Party providers. These plants would be used for vegetative purposes to produce clones to cultivate from clone to harvest all in-house. On August 1, 2015 eight rooted clones were acquired to be vegetated for the purpose of becoming Mother Plants. Later, the Mother Plants that these acquired clones produced would be used to generate, clean, 2nd generation plants that will be grown for harvest. Before entering any part of the cultivation laboratory, each 1st generation rooted specimen was treated with Nature-Cide All-Purpose Insecticide and thoroughly rinsed with reverse osmosis purified water. Treating and rinsing included all leaf, root and rooting sponge areas of each specimen. Once specimens were thoroughly rinsed and dried, an examination was conducted using magnifying equipment to determine whether each specimen was free of insects or other foreign bodies. Once the specimens were determined to be free of any insects, microorganisms and or foreign bodies, each rooted clone was placed in a small

Copyright 2017 Nature-Cide® | 2

container filled with a proprietary soil mixture containing various natural, insecticidal properties as well as a small dose of Nature-Cide All-Purpose insecticide.

Once the treatment and planting into small containers were completed, the specimens were placed under fluorescent grow lighting for twenty-four hours daily for fifteen days until August 15th.

On August 15th, after the fifteen day period, the plants were transplanted into large pots and placed under metal halide lighting for eighteen hours per day for ten days until August 24th.

On August 25th, after the ten day vegetation period, the mother plants were then ready to clone and begin the process of a start-to-finish cultivation, using plant life that was truly free of any insects, foreign bodies or matter.


With new, clean clones that were 100% grown under our IPM control, the above process was repeated to ensure a clean organic cultivation moving forward. On September 8th, after fifteen days of twenty-four-hour exposure to fluorescent grow lights, the new, 2nd generation plant specimens were ready to be transplanted into larger pots for the rest of the grow cycle.

Once the new specimens were transplanted, they were put under Metal Halide lighting for the vegetative process. They underwent an eighteen hour per daylight cycle and were watered daily with a natural formulation of nutrients using the reverse osmosis, room temperature water with an optimal root absorption PH level of between 5.8 and 6.2. A good vegetative nutrient mixture was used for optimal results and held at 800 to 1,000 parts per million. During this period, the plant life was attended to twice daily. Once at the beginning of the daily light cycle/watering process, and once just before the dark cycle to make sure all systems are running perfectly and to troubleshoot any potential problems that may occur during cultivation. On October 19th six weeks later, the plant life was ready to start the flowering process. On Oct. 19th, the lighting was exchanged from the vegetative metal halide bulbs, to high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs. The specimens were then subjected to twelve hours of daily light. There was also a complete change of the nutrients being used to promote flowering with the nutrient mixture levels jumping to 1,100 to 1,150 parts per million. By October 25th or seven days, flowering was recognized. By November 1st or fourteen days after the light exchange, the plants were showing strong flower growth.


On November 8th, nine weeks since the 2nd generation of clones began the vegetative process and three weeks under (HPS), the amount of daily care was increased to three times per day. Every morning, noon and evening each specimen was trimmed and closely monitored to make sure the plant life was healthy and free from insects and any foreign matter. On November 8th, Co2 was also introduced into the cultivation to stimulate flower growth. The amount of light was also reduced to ten hours per day. On December 28th, or week sixteen, seven weeks under (HPS), all the nutrients were removed from the water on every feeding. We used just pure reverse osmosis water and a reduction of light to eight hours per day while continuing to supply Co2.

On January 25th, or week twenty, every specimen is trimmed of all heavy leaf growth, and the plants were ready to be harvested and dried.


On January 25th, or week twenty, the plants were cut and hung inverted for ten to twelve days in a dark, cool place.

On February 6th after the twelve day drying period was concluded, the harvest was manicured and prepped for curing.

Once manicuring was completed the four strains were stored separately in airtight containers while being burped regularly for six weeks. The finished product was then stored with a humidity stabilizer, which holds the curing product at a humidity level 65% to 70% for long periods of time. The finished product was stored for approximately one year.


Results On March 2, 2017 the following four specimens were prepared for 3rd party laboratory testing and sent to SC-Labs in California for evaluation. The 3rd party results indicated in this report are the subject of our experiment using the Nature-Cide IPM method during the cultivation process above. The results were determined by SCLABS in California, dated March 7, 2017. In all the tested specimens all four came back pesticide free.

Summary All four strains were tested for potency and the presence of pesticides. Harlequin: Nature-Cide ID - SAT-HAR-MED-X - THC(4.29%)CBD(7.8%) Pesticides(ND) Skywalker: Nature-Cide ID - INDI-SJY-MED-X - THC(13.1%) Pesticides(ND) Bubble Gum: Nature-Cide ID - HYB-BB-MED-X THC(18.9%) Pesticides(ND) Girl Scout Cookies: Nature-Cide ID - HYB-GSC-MED-X - THC(12.4%) Pesticides(ND) *ND - None Detected See Full Testing Results Below.


SAT-HAR-MED-X Med-X Inc N/A

N/A

03/07/2017

N/A

N/A

Flower

N/A

N/A

170306U105

1 Gram

42.8 mg/g

4.29 % 4.28 %

76.2 mg/g

7.83 % 7.62 %

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

4.21 % 0.08 % 6.07 % 1.77 % 0.22 % 0.02 % 0.0 % 0.36 % 0.12 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.33 %


13.18 %

ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

1 0.25 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1

N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A



Harlequin: Nature-Cide ID - SAT-HAR-MED-X THC - 4.29% CBD - 7.8% Pesticides - Not Detected


INDI-SJY-MED-X Med-X Inc N/A

N/A

03/07/2017

N/A

N/A

Flower

N/A

N/A

170306U102

1 Gram

116.8 mg/g 0.4 mg/g


13.1 % 11.68 % 0.04 % 0.04 %

1.51 % 11.59 % 0.0 % 0.04 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.02 % 0.05 % 0.62 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %


13.83 %


1 0.25 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1

N/A




Skywalker: Nature-Cide ID - INDI-SJY-MED-X THC - 13.1% Pesticides - Not Detected


HYB-BB-MED-X Med-X Inc N/A

N/A

03/07/2017

N/A

N/A

Flower

N/A

N/A

170306U104

1 Gram

168.6 mg/g 0.4 mg/g


18.89 % 16.86 % 0.05 % 0.04 %

2.36 % 16.53 % 0.0 % 0.05 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.03 % 0.07 % 0.49 % 0.08 % 0.0 % 0.02 %


19.63 %


1 0.25 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1

N/A




Bubble Gum: Nature-Cide ID - HYB-BB-MED-X THC - 18.9% Pesticides - Not Detected


HYB-GSc-MED-X Med-X Inc N/A

N/A

03/07/2017

N/A

N/A

Flower

N/A

N/A

170306U103

1 Gram

110.5 mg/g 0.4 mg/g


12.4 % 11.05 % 0.04 % 0.04 %

1.4 % 11.0 % 0.0 % 0.04 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.03 % 0.28 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.01 %


12.77 %


1 0.25 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1

N/A




Girl Scout Cookies: Nature-Cide ID - HYB-GSC-MED-X THC - 12.4% Pesticides - Not Detected


Appendix A. IPM Guide The following guide was created as a result of this lengthy experimental cultivation process to guide others on how to conduct and practice a successful IPM program for the cultivation of medical cannabis.

Nature-Cide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Nature-Cide Insecticide Preparation Precautions for Use Directly on Plant Life Mixing Never mix Nature-Cide products with other chemicals, fertilizers, or surfactants. Nature-Cide cannot guarantee compatibility or safety. Nature-Cide includes a surfactant to break water tension and disperse product evenly on the leaf surface. Rinsing Always rinse off the plant within a 5-10 minute window of the application. Leaving Nature-Cide on plant foliage may cause damage to the plants under intense lighting or other foliar applications. Rinse with reverse osmosis water. If unavailable, dechlorinated tap water is acceptable. Overspray Avoid overspray and excessive dripping onto the growing medium. Cover growing media if necessary to avoid overspray. Some compounds in Nature-Cide may affect plant growth if applied to the medium in large amounts and allowed to remain without flushing. For soil-borne pests and disease, application of diluted Nature-Cide All-Purpose should be followed with a full media flush. Timing You should apply Nature-Cide only when needed to mitigate an active infestation or infection. It is safe to apply twice (when needed) as long as plant foliage is thoroughly rinsed after each application. Application to plant foliage after week 3-4 (or when trichomes are forming) may affect the quality and visual appeal of the end product. Testing Always test spray applications on a small section of your canopy before using throughout your cultivation.


Nature-Cide Application and Dosage Application

Product

Dosage (per G)

Frequency

External foundation and perimeter

Pest Management

Mix 4oz to 8oz per Semi-Monthly to gallon as desired. Monthly Vigorously add water to solution

External doorways and entrances

Pest Management

Mix 4oz to 8oz per gallon. Vigorously add water to solution

All Purpose

1 part solution to 9 Weekly parts water. Vigorously add water to solution. Example: 115oz of water into 13oz of solution, makes one gallon.

Facilities - External

Semi-Monthly to Monthly

Facilities - Internal Grow room exterior walls and foundation

Grow room doorways All Purpose and entrances

“

Grow room interior walls

All Purpose

“

Grow room floors

All Purpose

“

“

Weekly

“

Weekly

“

Daily to Semi-Daily

Facilities - Tools and Miscellaneous Nutrient mixing tanks All Purpose and workstations

“

“

Weekly

Hand tools

All Purpose

“

“

Every use

Floor mat foot bath

All Purpose

“

“

2-3x weekly

Plant - Genetics and Propagation


Quarantine

All Purpose

Mix 2oz to 13oz of N-C solution to make 1 gallon as desired. Vigorously add water to N-C solution.

As needed

Mothers

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Clones

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Transplants (dip)

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Minimal

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Moderate

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Severe

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Minimal

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Moderate

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

Severe

All Purpose

“

“

As needed

All Purpose

Mix 10oz of water into As needed 1oz of N-C solution and mix thoroughly. Then add mixed N-C solution into 3 to 5 gallons of soil medium before planting. Flush Medium after any and all applications

Plant - Vegetative

Plant - Flowering*

Growing Media Normal

* Do not apply any insecticides or pesticides after trichomes have formed on buds. Always rinse thoroughly if applying directly to any area surface area of the plant life.


Nature-Cide Insecticide Tank Preparation 1) Fill empty spray tank with Nature-Cide according to the dosing table (such as a Pressure Pump Sprayer). **Always add Nature-Cide to tank before water. 2) Add Reverse Osmosis water and mix thoroughly 3) Empty and clean tank after use

Treatment steps 1) Turn off all heavy grow lights and Isolate infected plant(s). Maintain a separate quarantine room away from production rooms. If the entire room is infected, keep it in the current room and start the room treatment first in all corners of the room as well as mopping all floor areas, wiping tables. Begin the treatment on one plant at a time and remove each plant from other infected areas once plant is free from insects to regain control. 2) Immediately treat all staff members shoes, clothing, then move to room surfaces, entryways, and tools according to IPM protocols and cover all soil surfaces. If soil surfaces are infected with insects, treat the soil with Nature-Cide All-Purpose and flush immediately. 3) Turn lights off, or treat during the dark cycle only. 4) Let everything cool off and then spray plants with a mixture of Nature-Cide All Purpose , making sure to fully cover leaf surface, top and bottom, to the point of runoff. 5) Immediately rinse plant foliage off with reverse osmosis water. 6) Inspect plants for remaining insects. Repeat steps 4-6 if living insects remain. 7) Allow the plant to dry completely before subjecting to full light intensity (1-3 hours).
