Episode 150: Plants Under Pressure: How Stress Shapes Secondary Metabolites (w/ Dr. José Leme)
What if the key to unlocking higher quality flower isn’t another input, but the way we stress the plant?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. José Leme to explore how different stimuli—mechanical vibration, super cropping, and controlled water restriction—impact plant physiology and the production of secondary metabolites like cannabinoids and terpenes. We dig into the jasmonate pathway, trichome development, and new research showing how measured stress can increase trichome density, shift metabolic pathways, and improve resin quality—without sacrificing plant health when applied correctly.
We also discuss practical considerations for growers: cultivar differences, timing, dosage, and the importance of standardized measurement (hint: bracts are your best sampling tissue).
📄 Referenced Studies:
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Additional vibration study discussed
🎧 Whether you’re a scientist, consultant, or grower, you’ll leave with a clearer framework for using stress as a precision tool—not just a gamble.
