Brix is a measure of sugar content, which plants make naturally. So, the higher the Brix, the healthier the plant. Plants store sugar like we store fat, so if something goes awry, they will tap into the sugar to sustain themselves. I think of it like going to the doctor to get regular health exams, a lab test can tell you that you have issues long before any physical symptoms show up. Or even that you may be healthy, but could do better.
In speaking to growers, I have heard the following as anecdotal examples of benefits.
Early indication of problems - If you are getting consistent readings in the 20’s on Brix, then one day you’re in the 10’s and the plant still looks okay, it is likely an early indicator something is off and you plant is less healthy.
Bug resistance - Insects struggle to digest sugars, so a higher Brix plant will be more insect resistant.
Shock resistance - If your plants have a water issue, it gives them a natural buffer to draw on while this is corrected.
Economics - As margin’s thin as the industry changes, it’s a data point of plant health that no other source can give you, short of lab testing.
This has been my experience so far with Brix and feedback from growers. Would love to hear more.
Why should growers add Brix? What are some of the best sources? I use Hi-Brix molasses about once a week and my plants are very healthy. What are your thoughts about this practice?
Brix in plant sap is quite different than adding sugar to the growing media. Plant sugars are produced through photosynthesis and not from feeding the roots products that contain sugar. Microbes in soil will utilize sugars as food sources but I have not seen a scientific study that shows adding sugars to the root zone increases plant sap brix levels through assimilation. I would love to see some studies though if anyone knows of them.
I use the Brix to feed the microbial activity, not to increase any kind of sugars or terpenes in the flower. The microbes do the magic…but they get hungry!
Ron give me a chance I will dig up some findings and show you how we raise brix levels and with what nutrients.
We have been able to maximize brix levels to 30/40 before going into flower.
Sorry I’ve been absent a few days on this discussion, I had to go to HQ in Korea for meetings this week. To extract enough moisture to measure, the two ways I have used are a garlic press and needle nose pliers. You take a couple leaves, roll them into a ball and then crush them. You have to break up the cell walls to release the fluid inside. With most refracts you just need a few drops of liquid to get a good reading. You will get a variation in brix levels in flower, leaf, and stem. Leaf Brix seems to be the consensus I have heard of the best to measure.
I don’t have a reference paper to direct you to, but this article seems to hit the most important points. It is not specifically about cannabis, but a plant is a plant for the purpose of Brix testing.