When it comes to growing cannabis there are many factors to consider, including the types of pruning methods you can use. There are different ways to prune a plant and each one has its own unique benefits. So, which methods are best for your specific needs?
Topping
There are many pruning techniques that can increase cannabis yields. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it depends on the cultivation objectives.
One method of pruning is bud pruning. It aims to maximize the exposure of the plant to light. This involves cutting away the terminal bud from the main stem. The result is larger, uniform buds across the lower parts of the plant.
Another technique is topping. Topping is done during the vegetative growth phase, and it prolongs the vegetative growth period. In addition, it allows the plant to absorb more light and reduces the chance of disease.
Aside from increasing the number of colas, topping can help you achieve a higher harvest. However, it can also slow the growth of the plant. So it’s important to do it properly. You don’t want to top too early, or shock the plant, because it could be damaged or stressed.
Finally, topping can be used in the early stages of flowering. But it isn’t recommended for autoflowering strains.
The top of the plant becomes wider, and it is possible for the plant to break under its own weight. Large leaves block light from reaching the lower sections of the plant.
Cannabis plants should be carefully trimmed to avoid wasting time and energy. It’s best to wait until after you know more about your plants. If you do have a new plant, wait at least one week for it to grow before trimming it.
Pruning cannabis is an intuitive process, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Some people choose to over prune their plants, which can be harmful to the plant. Instead, it’s best to select a pruning technique that will work for your cannabis garden.
Apical pruning
Pruning techniques are used to modify the structure of the plant and increase yields. They can be applied to any cannabis grower.
The effects of pruning on cannabinoid concentration are not well understood. Researchers have identified an effect of changing fresh weight distribution on CBD yield. However, these results are inconclusive.
A more accurate evaluation of variability resulting from pruning interventions should use more replicates. This is possible using the first-order autoregressive variance-covariance (AAVRC) structure.
Several studies have investigated the impact of different pruning methods on cannabinoid concentration. These studies have shown that the effect of pruning on CBD yield is relatively small.
In a more recent study, researchers explored the effect of harvest time on cannabinoid concentration. They found that CBD concentrations decreased with higher branch lengths. As the inflorescence grew, it shaded lower branches, which in turn decreased CBD concentration.
Another study found that CBD concentrations were increased in the top section of the plant. It was not confirmed whether this increased CBD concentration would have a direct effect on total CBD yield.
An experimental factor pruning technique showed efficiency in modifying the architecture of the plants. Using this method, the inflorescence biomass of top plants was 19% greater than control plants. Although this was accompanied by a higher leaf biomass, total CBD yield was not significantly different.
Other studies have found that bud pruning can enhance total exposure to light. This allows for larger uniform buds to be produced across the entire plant.
Finally, a study conducted by Massuela et al. has shown that the optimum harvest time is approximately nine weeks into flowering. For marijuana plants, the optimal harvest time was observed during the early vegetative stage, but was replaced by fraction.
Fimming
When growing cannabis, you have two choices when it comes to pruning: fimming or topping. Both are good for maximizing your yields, but they do it in slightly different ways.
The difference is that topping removes the topmost growth of the plant, whereas fimming leaves the plant intact. This is a good thing. It encourages the growth of multiple colas and a wider canopy, which can add up to a larger harvest.
Both techniques are effective, but you must know when to use each one. Topping is more likely to damage your plant, whereas fimming can promote better yields, as long as you’re careful with the process.
Topping is easy to do, but you need to be sure that you’re using the right tools. The curved razor is one popular tool that’s seen plenty of usage, though opinions differ about its effectiveness.
Using a curved razor makes a precise curved angle, which is ideal for directing the plant’s growth sideways. But you’ll need a good clean tool to do the job.
Fimming is a low-stress training method, but it’s not as effective as topping. Although it’s similar, fimming is not recommended for auto-flowering strains, and it’s not always the best way to go.
A better alternative, which also happens to be less stressful on plants, is scrogging. It’s a form of trimming that involves cutting a part of the plant’s main stem at the base, instead of in the middle.
Like fimming, scrogging isn’t recommended for beginner growers. If you’re planning on using this technique, be sure to read all instructions carefully, and give your plants a few extra weeks to recover before doing more.
Deleafing
If you’re looking to increase your cannabis yields, you’ll want to know about pruning. In addition to providing more light, it can also promote airflow and keep your plants healthy. However, there are risks involved with pruning.
Before you start, be sure to use sharpened shears and make a clean cut. This will help prevent infection or diseases from infecting your plant.
Pruning can be done during the vegetative phase or during the flowering cycle. Make sure to space your defoliations at least a week apart.
When you prune your cannabis, focus on the lower limbs and leaves. It’s important to remove leaves that have yellowing or dead tissue. These areas may attract pests. Also, remove any leaves that cover buds, nodes or other growth sites.
The best way to start pruning is by deciding on the method you’d like to use. There are three main methods used by experienced growers.
The most common is called “topping.” A main branch is cut after the node. This allows the plant to bush out, resulting in a thicker upper region.
Another popular technique is called “lollipopping.” It involves cutting the lower branches of a plant. Eventually, this will result in thicker buds.
Other techniques include root pruning, which can be performed manually or by air. Root pruning helps redirect resources and energy to more productive parts of the plant.
A more advanced approach is extreme defoliation. This involves removing large quantities of fan leaves from the plant. Some strains of cannabis have huge fan leaves that impede airflow. Removal of these leaves is controversial, but some believe it may lead to more vigorous bud growth.
If you’re unsure about which pruning technique to use, consult an expert. The best advice is to try out several methods and decide what works for your cannabis.
Pinching
Pruning cannabis plants is an effective way to increase the yield of marijuana. It helps the plant concentrate energy on the branches that are most productive. However, there are several different ways to prune a plant, and each method offers different advantages.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different pruning techniques on the cannabinoid content of the plant. CBD is one of the compounds present in the cannabis sativa plant. Using two different pruning methods, the total CBD concentration of the inflorescences was compared.
There were no significant differences in the total CBD concentration of the inflorescences between the control group and the pruned groups. However, CBD concentration was significantly higher in the top fraction than the mid or low fractions.
A global F-test was used to compare the mean CBD concentrations. This method also accounted for repeated measures per plant.
CBD concentrations were also examined in relation to the harvest time. Optimal harvest time (HT) was suggested as being nine weeks of flowering. At this point, the CBD concentration was highest.
T and C plants produced more biomass in the inflorescences and leaves. This was due to higher spatial distribution of inflorescences and side shoots in the area. Compared to the control group, T plants had a more “rhombus” shape. They also had three longer terminal inflorescences.
During the flowering stage, the higher branches in the control group shaded the lower branches, reducing the CBD concentration. On the other hand, T plants had a higher inflorescence dry weight.
Inflorescences are a source of the cannabis plant’s overall yield. Therefore, the more biomass they contain, the more total yields can be harvested.
