Sticky Bandit 0-0-1: Carbohydrate Supplementation for Terpene Enhancement

Sticky Bandit 0-0-1 is a carbohydrate supplement designed to enhance terpene production, increase resin development, and improve flavor and aroma profiles in flowering plants. The formula feeds both plants and beneficial microbes, creating a thriving root zone ecosystem while fueling the energy-intensive processes of secondary metabolite synthesis.

The Science Behind Carbohydrate Supplementation

Why Carbohydrates Matter for Quality

Plants produce carbohydrates (sugars) through photosynthesis. These sugars serve multiple functions:

• Energy source – Cellular respiration converts sugars to ATP energy
• Building blocks – Sugars combine to form cellulose, starch, and other structural compounds
• Precursors – Terpenes and other secondary metabolites are synthesized from sugar-derived molecules

The Terpene Connection

Terpenes are synthesized via the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, which begins with acetyl-CoA—a molecule derived from sugar metabolism. The process:

1. Sugars are metabolized to produce acetyl-CoA
2. Acetyl-CoA enters the MVA pathway
3. MVA pathway produces isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP)
4. IPP serves as the building block for all terpenes

Key insight: The biochemical pathway connecting carbohydrates to terpene synthesis is well-established. However, controlled studies specifically testing whether carbohydrate supplementation increases terpene production in cannabis are limited. The primary documented benefit of carbohydrate supplements is feeding beneficial rhizosphere microbes, which provide indirect benefits through improved plant health and nutrient cycling.

Microbial Feeding Benefits (Primary Mechanism)

Carbohydrates don't just feed plants—they fuel the rhizosphere ecosystem:

• Beneficial bacteria metabolize sugars and produce plant growth-promoting compounds
• Mycorrhizal fungi exchange sugars with plants for enhanced nutrient access
• Organic matter decomposers become more active, releasing locked nutrients
• Competitive exclusion – Well-fed beneficials outcompete pathogens for resources

What The Science Says

Well-established:

• Plants naturally release 10-40% of photosynthesized carbon as root exudates to feed beneficial microbes
• Root uptake of sugars is documented—plants have specific sugar transporters (like MdHT1.2)
• Sugar application triggers defense gene expression and shapes microbial communities
• The biochemical pathway from sugars to terpenes (via MVA pathway) exists

Less established:

• Direct evidence that carbohydrate supplementation increases terpene production in controlled studies is limited
• Most terpene enhancement claims come from industry sources rather than peer-reviewed cannabis research

Bottom line: The primary mechanism is feeding beneficial microbes. In biologically active systems (soil, coco with Monkey Juice), this creates real benefits. In sterile systems, benefits are minimal or absent.

Application Rates

Standard Rates by Growing System

Why Weekly Application Works Best

Unlike nutrients that get consumed immediately, carbohydrates trigger a microbial population response. Bacteria multiply rapidly when fed, then populations stabilize. Weekly application maintains healthy microbial activity without causing boom-bust cycles that can destabilize your root zone.

Timing Through Flower Cycle

Mixing Instructions

Mixing Order (Classic 3-Part / Bonnie & Clyde)

1. Add Armadillo Armour (if using silica—always first)
2. Add CalMag
3. Add base nutrients (Micro → Grow/Bloom, or Bonnie/Clyde)
4. Add Bud Booster (if using)
5. Add Sticky Bandit
6. Check and adjust pH
7. Add Monkey Juice (if using—always last, after pH)

Mixing Order (PuurOrganics)

1. Add Armadillo Armour (if using silica—always first)
2. Add PuurNitro → PuurPhos → PuurK
3. Add PuurCalMag
4. Add PuurBalance
5. Add Sticky Bandit
6. Check and adjust pH
7. Add Monkey Juice (if using—always last, after pH)

Sticky Bandit + Monkey Juice Synergy

For maximum benefit, use Sticky Bandit alongside Monkey Juice:

• Monkey Juice provides Bacillus bacteria that colonize roots
• Sticky Bandit feeds these bacteria, accelerating colonization
• Well-fed bacteria produce more plant growth-promoting compounds
• The combination amplifies benefits of both products

Plants and Growing Systems

Best Results With

• Cannabis: Primary use—enhances terpene profiles, resin production, and aroma
• Aromatic herbs: Basil, mint, lavender, oregano (improves essential oil content)
• Fruiting plants: Tomatoes, peppers, berries (can improve flavor)
• Flowers: Roses, jasmine, gardenias (enhances fragrance)

Growing System Notes

Soil and Living Soil

This is where Sticky Bandit provides maximum benefit. Soil systems have robust microbial populations that respond dramatically to carbohydrate feeding. Living soil growers often report the most noticeable improvements in terpene production.

Coco Coir

Excellent results, though coco has less inherent microbial activity than soil. Pairing with Monkey Juice is highly recommended to establish beneficial populations that can utilize the carbohydrates.

Hydroponics (Use With Caution)

Important: Carbohydrates primarily work by feeding beneficial microbes—not through direct plant uptake. In sterile hydro without beneficials, you're feeding potential pathogens, not helping your plants.

• Only use in hydro if running a biological system with Monkey Juice or other beneficial inoculants
• DWC/RDWC risk: Adding carbs without beneficials creates a 50/50 chance of root rot—you're feeding bad bacteria equally
• Keep reservoirs oxygenated and below 68°F (20°C)
• If running sterile hydro with H₂O₂, skip Sticky Bandit entirely

Compatibility

Compatible Products

• All Cronk nutrient lines (Classic 3-Part, Bonnie & Clyde, PuurOrganics)
• Cronk CalMag and PuurCalMag
• Bud Booster (complementary benefits)
• Monkey Juice (synergistic—highly recommended combination)
• Armadillo Armour
• Compost teas and microbial inoculants
• Most third-party nutrients

Important Considerations

• Sterile hydro: Skip Sticky Bandit entirely—without beneficials, you're only feeding potential pathogens
• DWC/RDWC: Only use if running biological system with Monkey Juice; otherwise high risk of root rot
• Don't exceed rates: Excess carbohydrates can encourage unwanted organisms
• No foliar application: Sugars on leaves attract pests and promote fungal growth
• Weekly, not daily: More frequent application causes bacterial boom-bust cycles

Expected Results

What to Expect

• Enhanced aroma during flowering and after harvest
• Increased trichome/resin production
• Improved flavor profiles
• More vigorous microbial activity in soil systems
• Healthier root zone ecosystem

What NOT to Expect

• Dramatic yield increases (Sticky Bandit is for quality, not quantity)
• Immediate visible changes (benefits develop over time)
• Miracles from neglected plants (nutrition basics must be covered first)

Troubleshooting

Algae Growth in Reservoir

If you see algae in hydroponic systems:

• Reduce Sticky Bandit rate
• Block light from reaching reservoir
• Increase aeration
• Keep reservoir temperature below 68°F (20°C)

Funky Smell in Root Zone

If you detect off-odors (anaerobic conditions):

• Reduce application rate
• Improve drainage and aeration
• Add Monkey Juice to establish healthy bacterial populations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plants really absorb carbohydrates through their roots?

Yes. While plants produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis, root uptake of sugars and organic compounds is well-documented in scientific literature. Plants have specific transporters that absorb sugars from the rhizosphere. Additionally, carbohydrate supplements feed beneficial microbes that provide indirect benefits through improved nutrient cycling.

When should I use Sticky Bandit?

Use Sticky Bandit once per week throughout flowering. Start when flowers begin forming and continue until 1-2 weeks before harvest. Weekly application feeds beneficial microbes without causing boom-bust population cycles that can destabilize your root zone.

Can Sticky Bandit cause mold or algae problems?

At recommended rates, Sticky Bandit is safe and won't promote mold or algae when used with proper growing practices. In hydroponic systems, maintain adequate oxygenation and keep reservoirs cool. Don't exceed recommended rates, and avoid foliar application where wet surfaces could encourage fungal growth.

Should I use Sticky Bandit with Monkey Juice?

Yes—this is an excellent combination. Monkey Juice provides beneficial bacteria while Sticky Bandit feeds them carbohydrates. This accelerates bacterial colonization and amplifies the benefits of both products. The synergy between microbial inoculants and carbohydrate feeding is well-documented.

Storage and Handling

• Store in cool, dark location
• Keep bottle sealed when not in use
• Shelf life: 2+ years
• Shake well before use

Need Help?

Our grow support team is here to help you get the best results with Sticky Bandit. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Grower's Resource Center for feed charts and growing guides.