Love all the input and comments, this is how we all learn about this wonderful gifted plant... I was told by the breeder friend that hollow stems can mean better and more nutrient uptake, moisture and plant health.. here is a comment I found in a magazine article... Hollow stems is a sign of a healthy plant. The hollow stems draw moisture and nutes thru-out the plant from what is called capillary action. When I take clones that is one of the things I look for, hollow stems..
So I kept researching this because I wanted to assure we were all getting correct information and found this by D.J. Short on breeding.. this is also his way of selecting males so it will help with your original question..
By D.J. Short.
I generally employ a simple process of elimination while selecting males. First, any auto-flowering or very early-declared males are eliminated. (Auto-flowering means that male flowers form regardless of light cycle timing.) This is mainly to insure against hermaphroditism or unwanted flowering traits, but also as a means to insure quality. The very early declared males have a tendency to be less desirable in terms of their contributions to the quality of the finished product. (If you are trying to specifically create an early-flowering strain, then your priorities may be different.)
Next, any male plant that grows too tall or too fast is usually eliminated. The reason for this is that most plants which dedicate so much energy to fiber production generally are best for making fiber. The exception to this rule is when an over-productive plant also exhibits a number of the desirable characteristics mentioned later.
The next criteria for elimination is borrowed from Michael Starks' book, Marijuana Potency, and involves stem structure. Large, hollow main stems are sought while pith-filled stems are eliminated. Backed by years of observation, I agree that hollow stems do seem to facilitate THC production.
Hope this helps you find the Male you want for breeding.. and remember, this is all about personal preference.. what YOU want to get out of YOUR plant.. so rock on man.. They've always said that the best strongest strains are hidden in peoples private grow rooms.. like yours buddy.. Good Luck
