Understanding the different types of hermaphroditism in cannabis, including genetic predisposition, rodelization, and chemical induction, is crucial for effective cultivation and breeding. While each method has its own set of advantages and challenges, the knowledge of these processes allows growers to make informed decisions in their breeding practices. Unfortunately, there seems to be an active interest to is not enough knowledge accessible to the public and the consumer market for cannabis seeds is completely unregulated, so it is up to us to self regulate.
There are 3 different types of hermaphrodites known in cannabis and they are outlined in this video:
1. Weak Genetics 1:02
One of the primary reasons for hermaphroditism in cannabis plants is genetic predisposition. It occurs when the cannabis plant inherently possesses the genetic tendency to develop both male and female reproductive organs. This is a recessive genetic and any offspring from a hermaphrodite will carry the gene for hermaphroditism.
Weak genetics can lead to a higher likelihood of hermaphroditic traits being expressed under stress or less-than-ideal growing conditions. This is problematic for cultivators aiming for either purely female or purely male plants, as hermaphrodites can lead to unwanted pollination and a reduced yield of consumable flowers.
In this video:
Green Source Gardens – Pinkleberry Kush
Green Luster Phenos – Familiar Fruit
Exotic Genetix – Grandmaster Sexy
MSNL Seeds – Harlequin CBD
Sin City Seeds – Bogeyman
Green House Seed Co – Pulp Friction
Tartaria Genetics – Alexandria’s Revenge
Mephisto Genetics – Strawberry Nuggets
2. Rodelization 1:40
Rodelization is a natural form of hermaphroditism that occurs as a stress response in female cannabis plants. When a female plant is not pollinated and reaches the end of its lifecycle, it may develop male reproductive organs as a last resort to self-pollinate and produce seeds. This happens after a plant is ready to harvest and it is a natural survival mechanism. Breeders can use this method to create feminized seeds, but it is important to note that this method is less controlled and less reliable compared to other feminization techniques. All of the offspring will also have a genetic predisposition for rodelization.
Terpy Highs – Stomped Berries
Relentless Genetics – Mendo x ROG
3. Chemical Inhibitors: Silver Thiosulfate & Colloidal Silver 2:10
In contrast to genetic and natural stress-induced hermaphroditism, certain chemicals can be used to deliberately induce hermaphroditism in cannabis plants. The most common chemicals used for this purpose are silver thiosulfate and colloidal silver.
A. Silver Thiosulfate (STS)
Silver thiosulfate is a compound that effectively inhibits the production of ethylene, a hormone responsible for flowering in cannabis plants. When applied to female plants, STS can lead to the development of male flowers, which contain female genetic material. This method is highly effective and controlled, making it a preferred choice for breeders looking to produce feminized seeds. The offspring produced will only turn to hermaphrodites when they are subjected these chemical inhibitors which are foreign to all soils and nutrients available in the cannabis grow space.
How to Make STS: https://youtu.be/hT8XPAyu36Q
B. Similarly, colloidal silver, which consists of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid, is sprayed onto female plants. This also blocks ethylene production and triggers the development of male flowers. Colloidal silver is particularly popular among home growers due to its accessibility and ease of use, but it requires more applications than STS.
All of the good hermies featured in this video are from Selfie Seeds
Lazy Breeding Practices and the Impossibility of Scaling Up 2:39
Some good scientific studies and experiments:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/SoCo/files/316187.pdf
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.00718/full
