Hermaphroditism is a common problem in cannabis cultivation. It occurs when a plant develops both male and female reproductive structures. Hermaphrodite plants can quickly pollinate surrounding female plants, reducing yield and quality. To preserve crop production, hermies must be identified and removed soon.
Growcycle provides a guide to help growers spot the early signs of hermie plant. By understanding the causes and detecting issues early, growers can manage hermaphroditism and keep their crops healthy and productive.
Plant hermaphroditism is a challenge for cannabis growers because it affects the production of high-quality, seedless crops. The main objective of cannabis cultivation is usually to produce high-quality, seedless flowers, which are valued for their flavor and potency.
Hermaphrodite plants can self-pollinate because they develop both male and female reproductive organs. This self-pollination causes seeds to form inside the flowers, which affects their function and appearance and also reduces their market value.
Hermaphrodite plants can also fertilize other nearby female plants by releasing pollen, which results in extensive seed production throughout the crop. This leading effect can harm the entire grow operation, particularly in commercial or large-scale setups.
Users love seedless buds for smoking or turning into extracts, so flowers with seeds inside are less desirable. The plant also shifts its energy from making resinous flowers to growing seeds, which results in an apparent reduction in yield and cannabinoid content.
Environmental stress or genetics may be the reason for hermaphroditism in cannabis. Knowing these causes will help growers to take preventative action:
An important contributing factor to hermaphroditism is stress. Hermaphrodite traits can develop in cannabis plants because they are sensitive to their surroundings and any significant stress during their life cycle. Common factors include:
Genetics plays an essential role in determining a plant's hermaphroditism. Hermaphrodite traits are more common in poorly maintained or over-hybridized strains, especially if the parent plants were not properly selected for stability. Some strains develop hermaphroditism as part of their survival strategy in natural environments.
If a female plant is allowed to flower after its best harvest time, it may develop male reproductive organs in one last attempt to self-pollinate and produce seeds before dying. This is commonly viewed as a natural survival mechanism.
Hermaphroditism may result from exposure to specific chemicals, such as pesticides or plant growth regulators, which can upset hormonal balances. Products that regulate plant growth, such as those that increase yields, can also have unwanted effects if misused.
Clones obtained from hermaphrodite prone plants cam have a genetic link to hermaphroditism. Furthermore, wrong cloning techniques, such as taking cuttings during flowering, can cause stress and increased risk.
To prevent hermaphrodite plants from pollinating other plants in the area, it is important to spot them early. Growers can either separate or remove the plant before it creates problems. Here are some early signs to look for:
The first and most common sign of hermaphroditism is the presence of male pollen sacs. These sacs are thin and round, similar to tiny balls. They usually develop at the nodes, where the branches connect to the main stem. Female plants produce longer calyxes, often with hairy pistils emerging from them.
Male pollen sacs, however, are round and smooth and do not have pistils. Check the nodes closely, particularly during the early flowering stage when reproductive organs are developing. For more detailed observations, use a magnifying glass.
"Bananas" are another common sign of hermaphroditism. These are visible male stamens that develop within female flowers or buds. Unlike pollen sacs, Bananas have no outer shell and can release pollen as soon as they grow.
They look like small bananas and are yellow, elongated, and thin. They are more challenging to identify without a close examination because they usually appear from within the bud structure. Bananas can fertilize other plants quickly because they do not need to mature before they release pollen. This makes them a major issue for growers.
Hermaphroditic plants can have both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant or even in the same flower. Affected plants may have pistils and pollen sacs at the same node.
Pistils can appear right next to bananas or sacs, giving the appearance of mixed gender. By looking at several nodes throughout the plant, ensure early female calyxes are not confused with pollen sacs. Pollen sacs are round and solid, whereas pistils are thin and white.
Hermaphroditism can cause buds to grow unevenly. A lack of structure in the buds and abnormal growth patterns, such as an uneven or disorganized bud, are frequently visible compared to others on the plant.
The plant’s energy is divided between developing female flowers and male reproductive organs, leading to uneven growth.
Signs of Hermie Plant
Are hermaphrodite plants common?
Hermaphroditism is not common in cannabis strains that have been bred correctly, but it can occur if plants are stressed or their genetics are unstable.
Should hermaphrodite plants be removed immediately?
Hermaphrodite plants should be removed or isolated as soon as identified to prevent pollination of other female plants in the growing area.
Is hermaphroditism more common in indoor or outdoor grows?
It can occur in both environments but is often more common indoors due to controlled environments where mistakes like light leaks or temperature fluctuations can cause stress.
The presence of hermies can reduce yields and quality of cannabis production. They should be searched regularly in the growth area to avoid damaging the crop. Their early detection and separation are essential for successful production.
Quality seeds, stress reduction, and maintaining growth-friendly conditions are all advised by Growcycle. A successful and fruitful harvest can be achieved by reducing the risks associated with hermie plants with the proper care and attention.
