light and harvesting

[moonbeam]

I got 2 plants under 2x 26w 5000k CFLs and 2x 34w 6500k tubes.  I was talking to my friend that used to grow salvia and he said that I should put my plants in the dark for 24 hours before i harvest any leaves to increase the potency of them.  and also once they are chopped, they must instantly be put in the dark because salvinorin A, degrades in light within minutes.  I was just looking for someone to confirm this.

[carnivorous4pie]

Yes, there is truth in what your friend says. However I have not seen/heard anything proven about putting the plants in darkness 24hrs before harvesting. Salvinorin A does degrade in light (UV light) but it would not have too much an effect to have them in shade for a few mins. Direct light should be avoided for the harvested material always. Over here they don't have them in light proof packages like some companies do in the US so the product is slightly less potent because it sits on the shelf for months where light can get to it. Hope this helps

[SalvinorinLighter]

The more potent in summer found to be false.

[moonbeam]

cool, thx.  I got my plants in the dark right now.  they will be in the dark for about 18 hours before I harvest them