The Importance of Genetics for Cannabis Seeds - What to Know Before You Buy!

The Importance of Genetics for Cannabis Seeds – What to Know Before You Buy!

Time Stamp: August 6, 2023 8:00 PM
Source Node: 2201261

Nowadays, breeders often cross the best cannabis genetics to produce offspring that outperform either parent. This selective breeding technique is usually repeated over several generations to enable an expert breeder to push cannabis genetics to its limits. When properly stabilized, top-notch cannabis genetics provide the foundation of the best cannabis seeds. Most strains can be traced back to the three common pillars of modern cannabis breeding: Haze, Skunk, and Kush. Learn more below about the essence of having good genetics when cultivating your cannabis seeds.

How are cannabis seeds made?

Cannabis strains have been known to humans for thousands of years. Landrace genetics in cannabis are old strains that have spontaneously evolved over extended periods to grow well in various geographical and climatic circumstances. Indica strains, for example, are said to have developed to grow well in milder environments. Sativa strains are believed to have developed for better growth in warmer climates. These landrace strains like Acapulco Gold, Durban Poison, or Hindu Kush have been known to produce modern cannabis offsprings that are favorites among users and growers.

Moreover, breeding new cannabis strains allows farmers to experiment with new cannabis genetic combinations. Combining two strains with distinct genetics can result in novel tastes and scents, changes in THC levels and increased total yields. The strains you’re likely to find at your local dispensary have yet to be through a single round of breeding. Furthermore, most new strains go through numerous rounds of breeding to establish a stable, high-quality phenotype. Growers then choose the finest phenotype to continue the genetic line.

Cannabis seed genetics

A genotype is the whole spectrum of a cannabis plant’s chemical composition and physical features, whereas a phenotype is the physical expression of the genes that are “activated” by environmental inputs such as temperature, humidity, growth media, nutrients, and more. Just because a plant contains a specific gene does not guarantee it will be physically expressed; the environment also influences which genes are stimulated and expressed as phenotype. Here is everything you need to know about genotype vs phenotype:

Genotype

The plant’s genotype is its genetic makeup acquired from its parents and its growth blueprint. The genotype describes the whole range of possibilities for a certain cannabis strain. In human biology, the inherited genotype is uncontrollable. Plant breeders and growers have a greater influence on what is handed down from parent plants to children, but no two genotypes will be identical, even if acquired from the same family – until a plant is cloned. Cloning can increase dependability, but cloned genetics tend to deteriorate after numerous generations of replication. Knowing exactly what specific qualities you’re working with can help you make the best judgments during the strain’s development.

Phenotype

Phenotypes, also known as “phenos,” relate to how cannabis plants of the same cultivar vary in terms of physical characteristics such as form, color, smell, and yield. The physical manifestation of a plant’s genetic makeup is known as phenotype. It explains why some cultivars grow significantly taller than others or why the bloom and fan leaves have a purple color. In this sense, phenos are comparable to siblings in a human family: they have similar DNA and may share some qualities, yet significant distinctions exist between them.

Additionally, just because the exotic seeds come from the same two parent plants doesn’t imply that they have comparable genetic material. When cannabis plants are bred, the female produces many seeds, each with a unique combination of genes from both parents. When these seeds mature, the cannabis that sprouts from them will physically exhibit these combinations as a distinct phenotype with its features and traits.

Which seed banks provide the best genetics

Finding a reliable seed bank is a great way to get quality seeds. These organizations take pride in their breeding abilities and ensure that their consumers receive precisely what is advertised. They have reputations to uphold, so anything less would destroy their image. One such seed bank is Premium Cultivars, a credible firm that delivers top-quality cannabis seeds.

Premium Cultivars (only)

Premium Cultivars is a reputable and legit seed bank that offers a large variety of cannabis products with high-quality seeds reasonably priced. The organization has established an unrivaled reputation for providing free internet-growing materials and a high-quality seed selection. Premium Cultivars legal seed bank also takes credit and debit cards for payment.

Is Premium Cultivars legit?

Yes. Without a doubt, Premium Cultivars is the real deal; a reliable and well-regarded seed bank. Premium Cultivars supports cannabis producers in growing high-quality cannabis plants by providing the best cannabis seeds, comprehensive education, and amazing customer service. Other reasons why most customers prefer Premium Cultivars include the following;

  1. Large selection of cannabis seeds like fast flowering, Indica, Sativa exotic, hybrid, mix packs, or easy growing.

  2. Fast and discreet delivery. Also, USA customers are eligible for free delivery on purchases above $100.

  3. Reasonable prices, discounts, giveaways, and promotions on cannabis products.

  4. The cannabis seeds are a 99% germination guarantee.

  5. Growing guides for both beginner and experienced cannabis producers.

  6. Great customer service. The experienced staff are always there to help you during working hours.

Why it’s important to have good genetics

Cannabis genetics govern plant development and growth. Cannabis genetics also define the cannabinoid profile, terpene output, yield, and many other aspects of your favorite Lemon Cherry Gelato seeds. Knowing some cannabis genetic history will help you understand how cannabis strains evolved. It may also assist you in identifying new strains that are similar to your old favorites. The following are common reasons why good genetics are ideal when growing cannabis:

Good seeds grow better

Cannabis plants are resilient; however, obtaining good seeds from a reputable firm increases your chances of healthy development and increased yields. If you’re starting cannabis cultivation, starting with simple genetics will be beneficial. You’ll still need to care for your plants, but resilient, good genetic strains are considerably more forgiving and easier to grow. Since these good cannabis seeds require minimal care, they grow to be better and produce an adequate harvest.

No chance of hermies

Cannabis plants are dioecious, which means they have male and female plants. While many plants may self-pollinate, dioecious plants require a member of the opposing sex to reproduce. However, the cannabis plant has an intriguing adaptation that permits females who detect a shortage of male pollen to produce male sex organs and pollinate themselves, known as hermaphroditism. It is also a natural adaptation meant to aid self-pollination due to environmental stress or a lack of breeding capacity.

Additionally, some cannabis strains are genetically inclined to it; in others, it is just a behavioral response to the plant’s surroundings. Cannabis seeds purchased from a reputable breeder are unlikely to become hermaphroditic. However, if you get your seeds from an untrustworthy breeder, the chance of hermaphrodite plants increases since one technique of breeding cannabis seeds is to compel them to become hermaphrodites—and seeds from hermaphroditic cannabis plants have a higher possibility of becoming such themselves.

Feminized seeds won’t grow into males

The most obvious advantage of growing cannabis from feminized seeds is that you will obtain a female plant. Many breeders claim their feminized cannabis seeds are “100%” successful. Growers save time by not having to identify and separate male and female plants. Conversely, feminized seeds face the danger of turning into hermaphrodites, as experienced breeders are well aware.

Female cannabis plants can develop a hermaphrodite state where female and male flowers develop on the same plant for various reasons. However, the male flowers are the most dangerous since they self-pollinate the female flowers. All of the resulting buds will be seedy and unsuitable for smoking. At the same time, feminized seeds are a convenient alternative for novice growers and medicinal cannabis users.

Autos will grow quickly and easily

Auto-flowering cannabis seeds do not require a change in light to enter the flowering stage of their life cycle. Instead, they start blooming after a certain time. As a result, most auto-flowering plants are ready to harvest in less than ten weeks. Flowering typically begins in two to four weeks. Cultivators created these seeds by crossing conventional high-THC Cannabis sativa with its close cousin Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis ruderalis is a variety of cannabis strain that grows in the wild. It is generally smaller than Cannabis sativa and has far less THC.

However, by crossing with high-THC strains, breeders have created auto-flowering plants with high THC levels that require minimal maintenance. Indoors, auto-flowering cannabis seeds offer a benefit, especially for individuals who prefer Sativa. Auto-flowering plants are often tiny and compact and may thrive in various growing conditions. Conversely, Sativa plants grow tall with a long flowering period. Starting with auto-flowering Sativa seeds makes it easy to cultivate these wily plants inside.

Cannabis seed genetics determine the type and quality of your crop. Most producers desire a combination of high-quality, THC-rich buds, large yields, and an easy-to-manage growing procedure. The final grade levels of cannabis are determined by genetics and the environmental growing parameters you provide. Furthermore, the quality of your ultimate harvest is closely tied to the cannabis lineage and genetics.

MORE ON GENETICS, READ THIS…

WHAT ARE MARIJUANA SEED GENETICS

CANNABIS GENETICS 101 – WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

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