Autoflowers-and the wide variance in phenotypes

[RickZ]

With wide ranging but summary knowledge of horticulture in general, I have been growing autos for about 5 years. I like the simplicity in the process. Having used 4 different seed banks over that time it has come apparent to me that the genetics are just not consistent. Sort of like puppies from a puppy mill that inbreeds too much. I am hesitant to say who's seeds I have used for fear of disparaging someone or some entity unfairly.
If anyone has had similar experience please let me know if you have found a reliable seed bank. I run RDWC and regularly harvest a pound or more from a 4 pot grow. I have switched to 4 individual SF1000D's so I can better maintain my desired DLI but I need to do a targeted foliar feed when the individual plants have nutritional requirements that vary. So long story short it is just a PITA when the plants reach about week 3 of flower. Any help will be appreciated.
Perhaps I should include that I use a negative pressure flow and use an individually tailored feed of either GH Trio or GH Lucas, and Flower Fuel as a supplement.

 

[LoveGrowingIt]

I can't say I know much about this topic, but I understand that stability is a goal of F1 seeds. That may be what you seek.

RQS has F1 seeds: https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/us/56-f1-hybrid-cannabis-seeds

 

[amneziaHaze]

I can't say I know much about this topic, but I understand that stability is a goal of F1 seeds. That may be what you seek.

RQS has F1 seeds: https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/us/56-f1-hybrid-cannabis-seeds

Isnt f1 a first cross of different genetics.it gives the most random phenotypes.you want an S plant selfed plant that has lots of seeds with same genetics

 

[RickZ]

Isnt f1 a first cross of different genetics.it gives the most random phenotypes.you want an S plant selfed plant that has lots of seeds with same genetics

After following your lead guys, I think that while the result of the first cross(F1) is random, there is less variance from seed to seed within that group. I will try this next grow. Thank you for the help.

 

[amneziaHaze]

After following your lead guys, I think that while the result of the first cross(F1) is random, there is less variance from seed to seed within that group. I will try this next grow. Thank you for the help.

If thats less variance, what gives more variance?

 

[7munkee]

I have had very consistent results with Ethos autos, specifically the banana strains.

 

[RickZ]

If thats less variance, what gives more variance?

what I found after following your lead is this. The first cross is between highly inbred strains. The inbreeding is what provides the stability within that strain. While the actual results of that first cross are somewhat unpredictable, whatever the result is it is consistent within the seeds from the first cross and so the variance in phenos should also be consistently minimal for plants from that batch of seeds.

The thought is that breeding beyond the first X dilutes the genetics each time and thus the consistency of phenos within the grow. It seems the inbreeding is important for good results.

Again, I have a summary knowledge. I am definitely not expert, simply offering my take on the info. Interested in your thoughts.

 

[RickZ]

I have had very consistent results with Ethos autos, specifically the banana strains.

thank you. I will look into that.

 

[Thukah]

what I found after following your lead is this. The first cross is between highly inbred strains. The inbreeding is what provides the stability within that strain. While the actual results of that first cross are somewhat unpredictable, whatever the result is it is consistent within the seeds from the first cross and so the variance in phenos should also be consistently minimal for plants from that batch of seeds.

The thought is that breeding beyond the first X dilutes the genetics each time and thus the consistency of phenos within the grow. It seems the inbreeding is important for good results.

Again, I have a summary knowledge. I am definitely not expert, simply offering my take on the info. Interested in your thoughts.

Like a lot of people I started out on autos, bought many packs from many breeders over the years. Saw similar results, lots of stunted plants, weird mutations, 0 vigor, very unpredictable. After switching to photos, I saw no reason to go back. After a few years I just popped 6 autos for this 1 gallon competition here on the forums; one out of the 6 gave me decent growth, remembering why I gave up on them. That doesn't mean I didn't have great smoke, but their just too finicky.

 

[Thukah]

If thats less variance, what gives more variance?

The second generation will have more recessive alleles/phenotypes showing up that you wouldn't see in the 1st generation due to the homozygous recessive offspring. A Punnett square will show this trend.