Regular seed is a good choice for growers who want to cultivate their own strains or experiment with breeding. It also provides the possibility to make clones of plants that have strong and healthy phenotypes.
In addition, regular seeds are much cheaper than feminized ones. However, it is important to keep in mind that they have a 50/50% chance of producing males or females and it is therefore necessary to watch out for them.
Genetic Stability
The genetic stability of regular seed is very important for germplasm conservation. If a trait is unstable, it can result in a loss of quality and/or vigour of the next generation.
Seed deterioration during storage is often caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, which can compromise molecular stability and gene expression. This process could also lead to the accumulation of point mutations or structural damage, which would be harmful for the seeds as they will be more difficult to germinate and produce healthy plants.
The present study evaluated the effect of seed ageing on genetic and epigenetic stability of rye seeds and seedlings produced from them. The effects of the different stages of deterioration were investigated at three levels: P75 (13 days), P20 (29 days) and P0 (36 days).
More Vigorous Plants
While feminized seeds are great for breeding, regular seed has its own uses too. The plants they produce tend to be more vigorous, which helps them handle stress and increase their chances of survival in the long run.
In addition to this, they also provide more stable genetics than feminized varieties, which is important for breeders. They also make it easier to take stem cuttings from the mother plant, which can be a crucial part of asexual reproduction (cloning).
These factors are why many outdoor growers still prefer to grow their own cannabis seed stock. They can use these seeds to create small pockets of natural cannabis plants in forests and on mountain sides.
Less Expensive
Cannabis seeds can be more or less expensive depending on the type and quality of seed. They also vary based on the THC and CBD content of the strain, popularity, costs of production, and more.
The more popular a strain is, the higher the price will be. Similarly, prices will be higher for cannabis seeds with high THC concentrations and low CBD concentrations.
If you’re looking for a bargain, look for cheap feminized seed deals or BOGOs. These seed packs can offer substantial savings and access to some of the most popular strains.
In addition, the process of packing and shipping seed packets is a lot more automated than it used to be. Many companies now use big hoppers that fill the seed packets and then a machine seals them up.
Easier to Breed
Whether you’re trying to breed new strains or clone an old favourite, regular seed is the key. It’s easy to get started and a great way to experiment with your horticultural horizons.
Regular seeds offer a 50/50 chance of producing male or female plants, reducing the risk of accidental pollination. While this can take some practice, it’s worth it for the increased genetic purity and stability of your breeding results.
When it comes to cloning, regular seed also offers a much better outcome than feminized varieties. Since they’re more stable, they’re better equipped to handle a high-stress cloning process and produce robust clones.
In addition to being easier to breed, regular seeds are also more practical for growers who want to make the most of their growing space. This can save money on substrate, products, and nutrients – not to mention it means that you won’t have to worry about removing 40% of your crop when sexing.
