Its becoming clear... Was successful in producing pollen with Ag spray on ONE cola... And that we have pollination.. and seed production in progress. (The purpose of this grow was seed production...)

Day 106. Week Eight of 12/12 light flowering stage.

So normally would be starting a “Flush”. But we clearly have been successful in producing seeds. The question is did the pollen get to all the Cola’s ? Or just the one cola that was specifically pollinated. So we are going to keep the EC up for a bit longer to encourage good seed development.

Conditions: 1.2mS/cm. Ph 5.8, CO2 modified to min level of 600ppm, Light 12/12 @ 800 PPFD, down from 1K+. Day 75F(max), Night 65F (min.) RH Day 55% Night 50%.

Did install a set of dual AUX. UV-B light bars, but with the above issues decided to put their use on hold, at least for now. Don’t real want to introduce a new variable into an otherwise very good first-time hydro/CO2 grow.

While there is a considerable number of generalities out the on the web. One specific well detailed recent scientific paper ( https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.725078 ) pretty much demonstrates that exposure to UV-B results in general decreased plant health. If the Aux UV-B bars are ever used, it will be with caution.

Have not mentioned, but think is important to pass on, with this hydro-CO2 grow. 50% +/- of the water reservoir, 25 gallons of 50, is drained and refilled every two weeks (Sundays) & Ph adjusted. Since using well water with known iron bacteria present, a submerged 13W UV-C light (Amazon $29) is run on Sundays, during the “Twelve-hour daylight, watering cycle (15 seconds on / 20 minutes off)”. Effectively reducing both good & bad bacteria/algae counts in the reservoir and the return water.

On Mondays, EC is adjusted based on growth stage (Veg vs Flower), & a small amount of micro-nutrients is added because of general understanding that UV-C tendencies to breakdown of Fe-chelate and other necessary nutrients/enzymes, along with a 30ml shot of “HydroGuard” bacteria to repopulate the water reservoir with “good bacteria” The above, whether the best or most efficient practice is justified, it does seem to be working very well in producing healthy girls. Lastly, a continuous air stone in the water reservoir provides agitation and help to keep the water oxygenated.