Amnesia Haze Clone Reversed to Produce Feminized Pollen for Seed Stabilization

In a bid to stabilize the sativa strain Big Amnesia, breeders have employed the backcrossing technique, using a clone of Amnesia Cordobesa as the parental figure. This method involves reversing a clone of Amnesia Haze to produce feminized pollen, a crucial step in creating stable and consistent cannabis strains. The reversal process is intricate, requiring precise timing and chemical treatments to ensure successful pollen production

The process of reversing the Amnesia Haze clone involves the use of silver thiosulfate (STS) to inhibit ethylene production, a hormone that promotes female flower development. By applying STS, breeders can induce male flower production on a genetically female plant, allowing it to produce pollen. This pollen, when used to fertilize other female plants, results in seeds that are predominantly female, a desirable trait for growers

Timing is critical in this process, as the fertility periods of the male and female plants must align for successful fertilization. Typically, the male clone is treated with STS and induced to flower three weeks before the female plants. This ensures that the male pollen is ready when the female pistils are most receptive, around the fourth week of flowering. This careful synchronization is vital for maximizing seed production

The use of STS is preferred over other methods such as gibberellins, which can cause undesirable traits like elongated internodes. STS provides a more controlled and predictable reversal process, making it popular among breeders aiming for high-quality feminized seeds. The resulting pollen carries only female genetic material (XX chromosomes), ensuring that fertilized seeds will primarily grow into female plants

Despite the effectiveness of the STS method, not all seeds produced are guaranteed to be 100% female due to natural genetic variations. However, this technique significantly increases the likelihood of producing female plants, which are favored for their bud-producing capabilities. Breeders often prepare multiple male clones to extend the pollen production period, enhancing the chances of successful fertilization

The backcrossing method and the production of feminized seeds are crucial for breeders looking to maintain specific genetic traits while ensuring a high yield of female plants. This technique not only stabilizes the strain but also allows for the preservation of desirable characteristics, such as potency and flavor, in subsequent generations. The ongoing research and refinement of these methods continue to advance the cannabis breeding industry