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The cannabis space has been evolving at a breakneck speed in the era of legalization. From high-tech gadgets and gizmos to a seemingly endless variety of products on dispensary shelves, the industry is in an R&D renaissance. It turns out the latest innovation could change the cannabis cultivation and production game forever. Triploid cannabis seeds recently made their commercial market debut, courtesy of Humboldt Seed Co. The California breeders released two new triploid strains, OG Kush and Donutz to the growing masses. Triploid varieties are bred to resist pollination, even if male plants are nearby, protecting crops from seeds and giving farmers peace of mind.
But that’s not the only benefit. It turns out triploids are also more robust plants, giving growers more bang for their buck. According to a press release, “triploid seeds offer a three to five percent increase in THC, 10 – 20 percent increase in flower yields, and a 10 – 15 percent increase in fresh frozen live rosin yield.” The release also notes that the varieties flower five to ten days sooner.
Looking at macro photos of triploid trichomes, the deviation is astounding. The trichomes are larger and seemingly shooting off from one another, a pleasant sight for hash makers worldwide.
When cannabis produces seeds, energy is taken away from the creation of terpenes and cannabinoids. Many growers use feminized seeds to help prevent male plants from making appearances, but even these genetics aren’t foolproof. Plants can also hermaphrodite, making seeds due to stress or genetic abnormalities.
The main difference in triploids is the chromosomal makeup. The vast majority of cannabis cultivars are diploids with one pair of chromosomes, triploids have three. With this increase comes naturally larger plant cell walls, resulting in bigger yields. Triploids are not genetically modified and are instead created through selective breeding.