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How to Identify a Female Cannabis Seed ?

By Rene June 24th, 2024 528 views
How to Identify a Female Cannabis Seed ?
In the process of cannabis cultivation, the gender of cannabis seeds is significant to growers because female cannabis plants produce more abundant buds. In contrast, male plants only produce pollen sacs for reproduction, so female plants are usually more valued by growers because they can produce high-quality flowers and high THC content. This article will explore some tips for identifying female cannabis seeds in depth to help cannabis growers make wise decisions in the early stages of cultivation. These tips can not only improve cultivation efficiency but also save resources and time.


Ⅰ. The Basics of Cannabis Seeds
1. What Are Cannabis Seeds?

What do cannabis seeds look like? Cannabis seeds are the seeds of the cannabis plant, an herbaceous plant belonging to the Moraceae family. They are composed of the husk, endosperm, ovules, and seed coat. These parts work together to facilitate reproduction, enabling the growth of new cannabis plants and ensuring the germination and growth of the seeds.

The germination process of cannabis seeds begins with the seeds absorbing water under the right temperature, moisture, and light conditions, causing the seed coat to burst. The endosperm then begins to absorb water and swell, causing the ovules to enter an activated state. Subsequently, the ovules gradually stretch to form seedlings. Eventually, roots and leaves burst out from the seeds and begin to grow outward, completing the germination process of cannabis.

2. What Is The Difference Between Female and Male Cannabis Seeds?
 There is no significant difference in appearance between male and female cannabis seeds, so they cannot be distinguished by their appearance. However, certain characteristics can help you distinguish between male and female cannabis plants.

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1)Female Seed Characteristics
The main characteristic of the female seed of the cannabis plant is that it has two sex chromosomes, XX, and develops into a female plant. Female plants usually grow shorter and have loose male inflorescences with bunches of small ball-like structures. Their flowers produce a large number of essential oils and resins and abundant flowers (flower spikes), which are the main source of the active ingredients in cannabis (such as tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and cannabidiol, CBD).

2)Male Seeds Characteristics
The male seeds of cannabis have XY chromosomes, and the plants that develop from them will produce a lot of pollen for pollinating female plants. Male cannabis plants form inflorescences at the internodes and branch tops, which are composed of many small flowers, each with five green calyxes and no petals. Male plants are not highly valued because they do not produce significant amounts of THC. The main function of the plants developed from male seeds is to produce pollen for pollinating female plants.

3)The Impact of Both on Planting Results
In cannabis cultivation, the choice of male and female seeds has a significant impact on the final result.

The main role of female cannabis seeds is to produce cannabis flowers. Female plants do not produce pollen and do not pollinate, which is important for maintaining the high quality of seedless cannabis (sensimilla). Cannabis growers are primarily concerned with harvesting cannabis flowers, so female seeds are the first choice for growers. Cannabis plants grown from female seeds produce flowers that contain high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If the grower's goal is to harvest high-quality cannabis flowers, choosing female seeds can provide higher economic benefits.

The primary role of male cannabis seeds is as a pollinator, producing pollen that is used to pollinate female plants, causing them to produce seeds and reducing the quality and market value of the flowers. Male plants do not produce cannabis flowers and are therefore less valuable for medicinal and recreational use. However, male cannabis seeds play an important role in breeding projects. If the grower's goal is breeding, male cannabis seeds can help develop new cannabis varieties.


Ⅱ Basic Methods for Identifying Female Cannabis Seeds

1. Visual Inspection Method
1) Seed Shape and Color
Mature female cannabis seeds are usually oval and plump, with a smooth surface and no defects. Male or immature seeds may appear elongated or irregularly shaped. In terms of color, healthy female cannabis seeds are usually dark brown or gray with noticeable spots or stripes on their surface, while immature seeds are lighter in color, such as light green or white. Dark and uniformly colored seeds indicate that they are fully developed and have high germination potential.

2) Seed Surface Characteristics
The surface of mature female cannabis seeds is usually covered with a distinct waxy layer, which makes the seeds look shiny and enhances their ability to resist the external environment. The surface of female seeds also has dark tiger stripes, indicating that the seeds are healthy. In contrast, the surface of male or immature seeds is relatively smooth and has no obvious texture.

2. Dimension and Hardness Testing
1) Typical Size Of Female Seeds
Female seeds are typically larger than male seeds. Seed size may vary from variety to variety, but mature female seeds are approximately 2-5 mm in diameter and are uniformly rounded. They are usually gray or brown in color, sometimes with black or dark brown spots. Male seeds or immature cannabis seeds are smaller and uneven in size.

2) Difference In Seed Hardness
There is no obvious difference in hardness between female and male cannabis seeds. Hardness is primarily determined by the structure and thickness of the shell, making it challenging to distinguish without experience. Healthy female cannabis seeds are typically hard and tough, resisting breakage when gently squeezed. In contrast, male or immature seeds are often softer and easily break under pressure.


3. The Origin And Variety Of The Seeds
1) Choosing a Quality Seed Supplier
The key to choosing female cannabis seeds is to purchase verified varieties from legal, reputable suppliers. Reputable suppliers will disclose detailed seed information and conduct strict quality testing for planting, including variety, gender guarantee, and germination rate. This ensures that the seeds are of high quality, thereby increasing your chances of successful planting and reducing the risk of purchasing male or low-quality seeds.

2) How to Use Seed Variety Information to Identify Female Seeds
The most reliable way to identify female cannabis seeds is to purchase them from legal suppliers and ensure that the seeds are marked with clear variety information and a gender guarantee. This is crucial for identifying female cannabis seeds accurately. Many high-quality suppliers offer female seeds, also known as "feminized seeds," which have undergone special treatment and cultivation. These varieties are typically clearly indicated on the supplier's website or packaging. By studying the characteristics and cultivation history of the purchased varieties through clear markings, growers can expect a female ratio of nearly 100% with a higher probability.


Ⅲ Using Scientific Methods To Identify Female Seeds

1. Lighting And Temperature Testing
Light and temperature testing involves controlling environmental conditions (such as light and temperature) to induce cannabis plants to express their gender characteristics, which significantly impacts the identification of cannabis seeds' gender.

Initially, disease-free and healthy cannabis is required for experiments. During the seedling stage, healthy seeds are placed in a growth medium and kept in a warm environment of 24-28 degrees Celsius, with humidity maintained to ensure approximately 18 hours of light per day. When the plants reach 4-6 weeks old, the photoperiod is adjusted to induce flowering by reducing the light cycle to 12 hours, while maintaining temperatures between 18-24 degrees Celsius.

Within 2-3 weeks after adjusting the light cycle, carefully observe the internodes of the plants. Male plants will develop small spherical flower buds at the junction of the petiole and stem, which release pollen upon blooming. Female plants will show stigmas with small white or creamy white hairs between nodes, used to capture pollen.

Once genders are confirmed, growers should promptly separate male and female plants to prevent pollen released by male plants from pollinating females. This separation helps maintain planting results and harvest quality.

T. D. Hughes et al., "Effect of light and temperature on sex expression in Cannabis sativa," Journal of Plant Sexuality, 2017. The effects of light and temperature on sex expression in cannabis seeds were explored. The study found that photoperiod and temperature are key factors affecting sex expression in cannabis. Specifically, long-day conditions (photoperiod longer than 12 hours) and higher temperatures (e.g., 25°C to 30°C) promote female expression, while short-day and low temperatures are more conducive to male expression.

2. Laboratory Testing Methods
There are two main laboratory testing methods for identifying the sex of cannabis seeds: DNA testing and fluorescence microscopy. These methods are more accurate and faster than traditional light and temperature control methods.

1) DNA Testing
DNA testing is one of the most accurate methods for identifying female cannabis seeds. The biggest advantage of DNA testing is that it can be performed before the seeds germinate, saving planting time and being the most economical choice for growers. The DNA testing process involves extracting a small amount of tissue from cannabis seeds or seedlings, extracting DNA using a DNA extraction kit or laboratory method, and then amplifying these markers through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and the sex of the plant is determined based on the presence or absence of electrophoresis bands. Although this method requires specific laboratory equipment and professional skills, its high accuracy and reliability make it the best method for identifying female cannabis seeds.

In 2017, E. Sakamoto et al. and their team published a study on cannabis sex identification in the Journal of Plant Genetics and Genomics. The study used molecular marker analysis based on SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) to conduct in-depth research on the genes that determine the sex of cannabis. They developed an efficient DNA testing method that can determine the sex of cannabis in the early seed stage or seedling stage, providing growers with a more convenient gender identification tool.

                                                                                                                                Image source:cannabisbusinesstimes


2) Fluorescence Microscopy Detection
Fluorescence microscopy detection is an efficient and rapid laboratory technique used to identify the sex characteristics of cannabis plants using specific dyes or antibodies. A small amount of tissue is extracted from the leaves, embryos, or root tips of cannabis seeds or seedlings, and the sample is placed in a fixative (such as methanol or ethanol) to preserve the tissue structure. Using a microtome, the fixed sample is sliced into thin sections with a thickness of 5-10 microns. Specific fluorescent dyes or antibody markers are then applied to the sample and allowed to incubate. After incubation, the processed sample is examined under a fluorescence microscope using an appropriate excitation light source, such as ultraviolet light. The sex of the sample is determined based on the presence or absence of fluorescent signals and the specific distribution pattern of these signals.

Although fluorescence microscopy requires specialized equipment and expertise, its intuitive test results and rapid processing time make it an effective tool for identifying female cannabis seeds.

In 2016, S. A. M. Kondo et al. published a study in the journal Plant Reproductive Biology, exploring the application of fluorescence microscopy in the sex identification of cannabis seeds. In the study, they used fluorescence microscopy to observe the development of anthers (stamens) and ovules (pistils) in cannabis seeds. By observing the presence of pollen in the anthers and the initial morphology of the pistils in the ovules, the sex of the cannabis seeds can be quickly distinguished.


Ⅳ Identifying Female Cannabis Plants During Cultivation

1. How to differentiate between male and female cannabis seeds after germination?

After cannabis seeds germinate, determining their gender by appearance alone is difficult at this stage. However, when the plants are 4-6 weeks old, gender characteristics become more discernible. Female seedlings typically exhibit more even and symmetrical growth, with densely arranged and wider leaves, occasionally displaying more hair on stems and leaves. Male cannabis seedlings tend to grow faster, with longer leaves and roots arranged more sparsely.

The key is to carefully observe the node structure and begin checking when the plants reach 4-6 weeks of age. If your goal is seedless cannabis flowers, it is crucial to promptly remove male plants.

2. Methods For Identifying The Gender Of Cannabis Seeds During The Flowering Stage
The flowering period of cannabis is a key stage for identifying female and male cannabis plants.

                                                                                                                                Image source:zamnesia


1)  Characteristics of Female Flower During The Flowering Stage
During the flowering period, female cannabis plants exhibit unique and distinct characteristics. The most prominent feature is the pistil stigma, a small hair-like structure covered in white or light yellow trichomes, giving it a distinct "hair" appearance. As the flowering period progresses, the pistil stigma proliferates, gradually changing color from white to orange or brown. These structures typically grow at the top and nodes of the flower (where the branch connects to the petiole), eventually covering the entire flower in its mature stage.

Additionally, the calyx forms dense clusters, appearing green or dark green, which constitute the main part of the flower. These dense clusters play a crucial role in protecting the developing seeds. Female cannabis buds display unique and unmistakable characteristics: they are dense, tight, sticky, and emit a potent fragrance. They are rich in resin secretions, giving the flowers a crystalline appearance and high THC content.

2) Characteristics of Male Flowers During The Flowering Stage
In contrast, the flowers of male cannabis plants have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from female flowers. Male plants do not form compact buds like female plants. Instead, male flowers develop clusters of small spherical buds between the nodes. These buds resemble small hanging bells, displaying a loose structure. The pollen sacs formed by male plants appear as small spherical or oval structures and grow rapidly. The overall structure of male flowers is tall and loose, initially green and possibly turning yellow or brown as they mature. These characteristics facilitate the efficient release of pollen for pollination purposes.


Ⅴ Harnessing the Power of LED Grow Lights in Cannabis Seeds Cultivation


As an indoor grower, you understand the importance of proper lighting. To ensure your cannabis plants thrive, high-quality grow lights are an essential investment. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best lighting results:

Photonican LED Grow Lights: Photonican offers a range of LED grow lights designed specifically for cannabis cultivation. Their highly efficient yet energy-saving Samsung LM301H EVO LEDs provide full-spectrum lighting. These lights are optimized for a more uniform PPFD output, promoting vigorous growth and increased flower production.



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