Mini-Pheno-Hunt - Urban Seedlab

Harz_Kontrolleur ​Week 1: Substrate Transition & Technical Calibration ​The Pivot: From Coco to Soil Logic ​After the initial setup, I am recalibrating my approach. Coming from a long-term Coco / Drain-to-Waste background, my instinct was to target a lower pH. However, to better support the microbial activity and the natural buffering capacity of the BioBizz/Worm Casting mix, I am adjusting my strategy: ​Current Target: 6.3 pH (Vegetative phase). ​Future Adjustments: I plan to gradually drift towards 6.5 during the stretch and 6.7 in bloom to optimize nutrient solubility in an organic environment. ​Water Chemistry Update: I am sticking to the 50/50 mix of Tap and Distilled water. To correct the native 5:1 Ca:Mg ratio of my tap water, I continue to supplement with Canna Mono Magnesium. The primary change is the adjusted pH of 6.3 to better align with the organic substrate. ​Environment & VPD Management ​The start of this week was challenged by a hardware failure (humidifier), leaving the RH between 40% and 50%. This resulted in a VPD that is significantly higher than the targets defined in Week 0. ​I’ve implemented manual countermeasures: ​Water trays added to the tent (though the effect is minimal). ​Manual spraying twice daily. ​Lighting & Growth Strategy: Currently, one of the FC3000 EVO units is running at 30% (approx. 300-350 PPFD). While I could lower the intensity to reduce transpiration stress and "fix" the VPD issues, I am prioritizing a compact nodal structure. I’d rather accept some slightly crinkled leaf textures now than deal with unwanted stretching later. ​Selection Outlook: ​In about 10 days, the "Casting" for the Top 6 will begin. I am not stressing the current humidity issues too much, as the move from 1L to 5-gallon pots will drastically increase the transpiration surface and soil volume, which usually stabilizes the tent environment naturally.

Harz_Kontrolleur Week 3: The Elite Selection & 19L Transition ​The Selection Process: Culling for Performance Plant count reduced from 10 to the "Elite 6" based on root vigor, nodal structure, and early development. ​Permanent Chimera #35 x White Truffle: Leading the pack with exceptional root colonization. I selected the pheno with the 2-day lead in development. ​Diamond Marker (The Double Feature): This strain secured two spots in the final setup. One spot was pre-planned, and the second was awarded as a "Wildcard" because both phenotypes were performing at an identical, strong level. Very intense smell already present at Day 18. ​Urbans 11: Selected the most vigorous phenotype. Interesting note: U11 was the slowest to germinate, but it has caught up significantly in terms of vigor and leaf size. ​Lab Candy #37: Both phenotypes were looking great, but I chose the more compact one for canopy homogeneity. The other pheno was culled due to larger nodal spacing. ​Gorillato x BBC: Decision based on root mass inspection, as vigor and stem rub were identical between candidates. ​Note on Genetics: So far, the seeds from Urban Seedlab have shown 100% germination and solid performance in early veg. No complaints so far, but the final verdict stays reserved until the flower is in the jars. ​Substrate & Transplant Setup: ​Pots: 19L (5 Gal) breathable fabric pots. ​Drainage: 2L clay pebble (Correls) base layer (not included in nutrient calculations). ​Medium: 17L BioBizz Light Mix enriched with 10% Earthworm Castings. ​Nutrition: Amended with precisely 51g (3g/L) Greenhouse BioGrow. ​Inoculation: Immediately after transplanting, I re-introduced Greenhouse Bio Enhancer at 1g/L (as per the 2-week schedule) to prime the new substrate. ​Technical Adjustments & Training Strategy ​Water Profile: Switched to 100% Tap Water. Mineral balance adjusted with Canna Mono Magnesium for a perfect Ca:Mg ratio. pH level dialed in at exactly 6.3. All irrigation is actively oxygenated. ​Lighting: Second Mars Hydro FC3000 EVO activated. Intensity is currently at 300–350 PPFD, but will be increased to 400 PPFD as soon as the topping is done. ​Spectrum: Adlite Blue/UV remains active for 3 more days until topping to maintain maximum compactness. It will be deactivated post-topping to allow for healthy branch expansion. ​High-Performance Training & Outlook: The plan is to continue the vegetative stage for 3 more weeks. In the coming days, I will top all plants above the 4th node and remove the lowest node pair. This marks the start of training for exactly 6 main colas per plant (36 total) to ensure a controlled microclimate and maximum airflow throughout the grow.

Harz_Kontrolleur Week 3: Metabolic Stress Analysis & Structural Calibration ​The Incident: Microclimate Failure & Xylem Overload ​Jan 19th (Post-Transplant): Failure to activate the exhaust system led to a 24h transpiration blockade. ​Physiological Impact: With RH peaking near 100%, the Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) effectively collapsed. At this saturation point, plants are forced to cease transpiration as the air cannot take up any more moisture. This halt in the evaporative cooling cycle caused an abnormally high turgor pressure within the cellular structure. ​Diagnosis: While the other 4 cultivars maintained homeostasis, the Diamond Marker sisters exhibited clear morphological anomalies (crinkling). This was a classic case of cellular over-hydration and restricted nutrient transport due to the total lack of an evaporative pull. ​Training Status & Early Development ​Jan 20th: Despite the environmental stress, the scheduled training was executed. All plants were topped above the 4th node, and the lowest node pair was removed to focus energy on the remaining 6 primary shoots. ​Vitality Check: Despite these minor hiccups (which I fully take responsibility for) the plants are showing great resilience. The stems are developing very good girth and strength, and I am highly satisfied with the overall vigor across all strains so far. ​Strain Profile: Diamond Marker Sisters ​Stress Response: Those two sisters have officially been classified as the "Sensitivity Lead." The leaf crinkling was a localized reaction to the excessive turgor and the specific high-energy photons of the Adlite Blue. ​Recovery Status: It is noteworthy that 5 days after topping, the new growth is developing beautifully again. The plants have successfully bypassed the stagnation phase. ​Correction: Adlite Blue deactivated on Jan 22nd. Removing the supplemental blue spectrum reduced the photomorphogenic stress, allowing for more balanced meristematic development. New shoots are already showing optimized intercellular spacing. ​Recovery & Defoliation Protocol: To account for their higher metabolic sensitivity, I am adjusting the recovery buffer: ​The other 4 strains will be defoliated 3 days before the flip. ​The Diamond Marker sisters will be granted a full 5-day recovery window post-defoliation. ​Community Inquiry: I am curious if other Growmies have observed similar phenotypic sensitivity or turgor-related leaf crinkling specifically in Permanent Marker crosses? Is this a common trait in this lineage when VPD fluctuates? ​Technical Progression & Canopy Engineering ​Jan 26th (Status Quo): Implementation of minimal Low Stress Training (LST). The 6 primary shoots are being gently anchored toward the pot periphery to maximize the horizontal canopy footprint. Combined with selective Leaf Tucking, this ensures optimal photon flux to the lateral meristems. ​Structural Goal: Once the target radius is established, all apical dominance will be redirected vertically. ​DLI Balancing & Flip Strategy: Current Baseline: 400 PPFD (18/6). ​Flip Target: 600 PPFD (12/12). ​The Objective: By precisely synchronizing the intensity increase with the photoperiod reduction, I am maintaining a constant Daily Light Integral (DLI). This "Steady-State" transition prevents photo-oxidative shock and ensures a seamless metabolic shift from vegetative to generative growth. ​Genetic Outlook & Stretch Anticipation With the flip approaching in 14 days at the latest, the real challenge begins: managing the individual stretch characteristics of this high-profile lineage. Given the genetic background of these cultivars (ranging from Permanent Marker, Jealousy, and Permanent Chimera #35 to White Truffle, Gorillato, and Banana Butter Cups) I am expecting a highly dynamic transition. ​The primary objective for the remaining vegetative phase is to maintain a homogenous canopy despite the diverse morphological traits inherent in these crosses, including Lab Candy #37, of which I do not know the exact lineage. Observations on internodal elongation will be documented to ensure the 6-shoot structure remains optimized under the upcoming 600 PPFD intensity push.

Harz_Kontrolleur Week 4: Anthropogenic Stress Factors & Structural Remediation ​The Reality: A High-Stress Performance Evaluation This week has evolved into a rigorous stress test for the Urban Seedlab lineages. The conditions for this performance evaluation have become significantly harder than anticipated. The beginner crew at the location where the tent is situated has demonstrated significant learning resistance regarding irrigation protocols. Furthermore, I have identified a critical lack of transparency: irrigation errors and environmental fluctuations are being actively concealed by the on-site staff. However, through systematic analysis of plant morphology and substrate weight, these discrepancies have been documented. ​Due to this breach of protocol and persistent incompetence, I will terminate all support for this location following the completion of this cycle. I am only continuing this project because my professional integrity demands a completed seed-to-harvest report. For the remainder of this run, the local crew’s inconsistency is being treated as a critical environmental variable. We are effectively testing the genetic resilience of these strains under high-stress conditions that deviate from a controlled environment. ​Consequently, my on-site presence will be intensified during the generative phase. Remote instructions have reached their limit of efficacy. Personal oversight is now mandatory for irrigation precision, nutrient calibration, and systematic staminate flower (nanner) screenings. ​Biological Deep-Dive: Epigenetic Priming & Sexual Stability The Diamond Marker sisters, having exhibited the highest sensitivity to previous microclimate fluctuations, are now under strict observation. Persistent vegetative stress and xylem pressure fluctuations can trigger epigenetic tags on the DNA. This priming may force the plant to prioritize survival reflexes over stable floral development. The upcoming photoperiod transition involves a massive shift in the Auxin/Ethylene ratio. An unstable metabolism increases the risk of Ethylene-deficiency, which is the primary driver for hermaphroditic expression (nanners) in female plants. The metabolic cost of cellular repair from past dehydration events may manifest as reduced genetic stability during the mid-bloom stretch. ​Technical Progression & Spectrum Calibration To enhance boundary layer conductance and stabilize the microclimate, a Taifun Box Fan has replaced the Garden Highpro unit. This provides a laminar airflow profile, optimizing transpiration rates across the canopy. UV light has been completely deactivated for this run. Current photobiological consensus suggests that the metabolic costs of UV-induced stress often outweigh the marginal gains in secondary metabolites. To maximize plant health and minimize further stressors, I am focusing on a stable PAR spectrum. IR (Infrared) remains the only supplement used, specifically for circadian synchronization (the Sleep/Wake cycle). Secondary metabolite optimization will be attempted via VPD-manipulation (atmospheric drought) during the late generative phase, rather than radiation-induced stress. ​Structural Analysis & Training Report Today, a radical defoliation of the lower plant sections was executed to redirect all nutrients to the primary meristems and ensure maximum airflow. During the anchoring of the Gorillato x BBC, a primary lateral branch suffered a mechanical failure (snapped). The projected canopy has been reduced from 36 to 35 primary colas. Visual evidence provided: comparison with lighter. ​Strategy & Outlook Lighting: Constant 400 PPFD (18/6 cycle). Water Profile: 100% Tap Water | Ca:Mg ratio 2.2:1 (Supplemented via Canna Mono Magnesium) | pH 6.3. The Flip: Due to the anthropogenic stress and today's defoliation, a 7-day recovery buffer has been implemented. The 12/12 transition is scheduled for next Monday. Metabolic Priming: This Thursday, I will personally execute the Greenhouse Bio Bloom top-dressing. The enzymatic degradation of the organic amendments requires a stable moisture film in the topsoil; therefore, any further irrigation deviations by the beginner crew will directly jeopardize nutrient bioavailability during the transition.

Harz_Kontrolleur Week 5: Generative Transition & Irrigation Analysis (F-Day 3) ​The Metabolic Shift: From Structural Growth to Bloom: ​Following the heavy defoliation on Monday, Feb 2nd, the plants displayed remarkable resilience. Originally, I planned a 7-day recovery buffer, specifically to grant the more sensitive Diamond Marker sisters a full 5-day window of rest post-defoliation. Having met these recovery requirements, the flip to 12/12 was moved forward by 2 days. ​Irrigation Discrepancy & Physiological Impact: A significant deviation in irrigation volume occurred during the last cycle. Instead of the targeted 2L per plant, only 2L total was distributed across all 6 plants. In a 19L substrate environment at the onset of the flowering stretch, this volume is insufficient to maintain the necessary water potential. ​Currently, some leaves are exhibiting symptoms resembling a Potassium (K) deficiency. I have diagnosed this as a water-stress induced secondary deficiency rather than an actual depletion of nutrients in the medium. ​Scientific Context: Potassium uptake is highly dependent on mass flow and diffusion within the soil solution. When the substrate moisture drops below a critical threshold, the "transpiration pull" is interrupted. Additionally, as the soil dries out, the salt concentration in the remaining water increases (higher EC), leading to osmotic stress. This makes it physically harder for the roots to pull in K^{+} ions, even if they are present in abundance. This "lockdown" often manifests as marginal chlorosis or "burnt" edges, mimicking a classic deficiency. ​ Deep-Dive: Cationic Antagonism & Preventive Mineral Management: ​I have been adjusting the Calcium-Magnesium ratio preventively since the seedling stage to ensure a friction-less nutrient uptake from the start. ​Scientific Explanation Calcium Ca2+ and Magnesium Mg2+ are chemically similar, divalent cations that compete for the same uptake pathways at the root surface. If the native tap water has a high Calcium-to-Magnesium ratio, the Calcium acts as an antagonist, physically crowding out the Magnesium at the ion channels. While a 3:1 ratio is often cited as a standard, I deliberately target a tighter 2.2:1 ratio. This higher Magnesium concentration accounts for the increased metabolic demand during high-intensity LED phases and ensures that the competitive pressure from Calcium never reaches a threshold where Magnesium uptake is throttled. ​Technical Parameters & Photobiology: ​Lighting Targets * Current (Transition): 600 PPFD | DLI: 25.9 mol/m²/d ​Target (Post-Stigma): 750 PPFD | DLI: 32.4 mol/m²/d ​Climate To counter the rising transpiration rates and prevent late-stage pathogens, a dehumidifier is now operational in front of the tent. ​Canopy Outlook: The two Diamond Marker phenotypes looked like identical clones during the selection process. I am monitoring them closely to see if the recent irrigation deficit causes phenotypic divergence or localized stress responses.

Harz_Kontrolleur Week 6: Stretch Peak & Photobiological Synergism ​Operational Update: Personal Oversight & Philosophy ​I would like to clarify that my previous comments regarding the on-site situation were born out of professional dedication, not cynicism or bitterness. The crew consists of close friends, and the disappointment I expressed was purely a reflection of my commitment to the accuracy of this performance evaluation. To ensure total precision during this critical window, I have personally resumed all irrigation duties. While Greenhouse Bio Feeding keeps the manual fertigation effort minimal, maintaining a stable moisture film is essential for microbial nutrient cycling. Since returning to hands-on management, the plants have shown perfect physiological stability. ​Morphological Analysis: The Controlled Stretch ​We are currently at the peak of the stretch. Overall canopy homogeneity is excellent, with almost all individuals maintaining a nearly identical height. One of the Diamond Marker sisters is currently showing a slight variance in vertical expansion; however, I will perform a final height calibration once the stretch phase is fully completed to ensure a perfectly level canopy for the bloom. ​Genetics & Selection: Following a consultation with the breeder, the Biohazard (from the Lab File Box) was excluded from this specific run. The breeder cautioned that its aggressive stretch would have compromised the uniform canopy I am targeting. ​Spectral Influence: I have integrated Deep Red Adlite into the environment. While this has slightly increased internodal spacing, it is a calculated structural decision. Given the genetic profile of these exotics, I prefer well-spaced, rock-hard clusters over massive, oversized colas. This strategy maximizes boundary layer conductance (airflow) around the buds, significantly reducing the risk of late-stage Botrytis without sacrificing the "rock-hard" density these genetics are known for. ​Technical Deep-Dive: The Emerson Effect & Circadian Efficiency ​To maintain the technical integrity of this report, I am documenting the implementation of the Emerson Effect via the addition of 660nm (Deep Red) and 730nm (Far-Red/Infrared) wavelengths. ​In this setup, the Far-Red Adlite runs for the full 12-hour photoperiod alongside the primary lighting. This triggers a continuous Emerson Effect: by simultaneously exciting both Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI), the electron transport chain operates at a synergistic efficiency that exceeds the sum of individual wavelengths. ​Beyond enhancing photosynthesis, this constant Far-Red presence manages the Phytochrome equilibrium. The spectrum ensures a rapid conversion from Pfr (active) to Pr (inactive) at "lights out," forcing the plants into the dark-cycle metabolism almost instantly. Furthermore, it accelerates the "wake-up" protocol at the start of the cycle. This optimized circadian synchronization ensures that energy is redirected toward generative development without the typical metabolic lag phase, which is crucial during the high-energy demands of the stretch peak. ​Status Quo ​The plants are responding perfectly to the increased light intensity. Nutrient uptake is stable, and the transition from vegetative structure to generative development is proceeding exactly according to the high-performance roadmap. The final verdict on whether these phenotypes earn the "Elite" title will be reserved for the jars.