Mastering the Art of Breeding Autoflower Seeds
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are a game-changer in the world of cannabis cultivation. They are easy to grow, fast to harvest, and don’t require a change in light cycle to flower. But how do you breed these wonder seeds? Let’s dive into the process.
Understanding Autoflowering Cannabis
Before we delve into the breeding process, it’s crucial to understand what makes autoflowering cannabis unique. Unlike photoperiod strains that require a specific light cycle to flower, autoflowering strains automatically transition from vegetative growth to the flowering stage with age, regardless of the light cycle. This trait comes from Cannabis ruderalis, a cannabis species native to Russia.
The Breeding Process
Breeding autoflower seeds involves several steps:
- Choosing Parent Plants: The first step is to select a male and a female plant. The male plant should be a stable autoflowering strain, while the female can be either autoflowering or photoperiod.
- Pollination: Once the plants are mature, you can collect pollen from the male and apply it to the female’s flowers. This process results in the production of seeds.
- Harvesting and Germination: After a few weeks, the seeds are ready to be harvested. They can then be germinated to produce new autoflowering plants.
Challenges and Solutions
While breeding autoflower seeds can be rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges. One of the main issues is maintaining the autoflowering trait in the offspring. This can be addressed by backcrossing, a process where the offspring is bred with the original autoflowering parent to reinforce the autoflowering trait.
Benefits of Breeding Autoflower Seeds
Breeding your own autoflower seeds has several advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Breeding your own seeds can save you money in the long run, especially if you’re a regular grower.
- Customization: By selecting your parent plants, you can create a strain that suits your specific needs and preferences.
- Consistency: Breeding your own seeds ensures a consistent supply of your favorite strain.
Case Study: The Creation of Lowryder
One of the most famous autoflowering strains is Lowryder, created by breeder Joint Doctor. He crossed a Mexican Ruderalis with Northern Lights #2 and William’s Wonder, then backcrossed the offspring with the parent plants over several generations. The result was a stable autoflowering strain that has since become a staple in the cannabis community.
Conclusion
Breeding autoflower seeds is an art that requires patience, knowledge, and a bit of trial and error. But with the right approach, you can create your own unique strains that are easy to grow and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, breeding autoflower seeds is a rewarding endeavor that can take your cannabis cultivation to the next level.
