Headshot of Luka Bitežnik

Luka Bitežnik
Biotechnical Faculty
University of Ljubljana
POSTER PRESENTER
CULTIVATION

Rootstock selection and location impact on growth and cannabinoid profiles in grafted cannabis

Grafting is a well-established technique in horticulture, but its use in cannabis cultivation is still relatively unexplored. This study investigates how different rootstocks — potentially vigorous, potentially dwarfing and seedling-derived — affect the growth and cannabinoid content of grafted cannabis plants grown in two different outdoor locations. Morphological characteristics (such as plant height and inflorescence yield) and biochemical parameters (CBD and THC content) were analyzed. The results show that both the type of rootstock and the growing conditions have a significant influence on plant performance and cannabinoid production. These results underline the potential of grafting as a tool for optimizing cannabis cultivation and breeding strategies.
BIO
Luka Bitežnik is a PhD candidate at the University of Ljubljana, where he also completed his Master’s degree in Horticulture at the Department of Agronomy. His current research focuses on cannabis grafting — a technique not widely used in cannabis cultivation — with particular attention to the physiological and biochemical responses of plants grown both indoors and outdoors. He is also actively involved in breeding new cannabis varieties with the aim of improving plant performance and adaptability through innovative cultivation methods.
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