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DJ Short's Cultivating Exceptional Cannabis

The process of elimination that I generally employ is as follows:  First, any auto-flowering or very early declared males are eliminated.  This is mainly to insure against hermaphrodites or unwanted flowering traits but also as a means to insure quality, or the elimination of the lack of quality, as the very early declared males have a tendency to be less desirable in terms of their contributions to the quality of the finished product.  Next, any male plant that grows too tall or too fast is usually eliminated.  The reason for this is that most plants that dedicate so much energy to fiber production are generally best for making fiber.

The next criterion for elimination, borrowed from Michael Starks' Marijuana Potency, involves stem structure.  Large, hollow main stems are sought while pith-filled stems are eliminated.  Backed by years of observation, hollow stems do seem to facilitate THC production.  Another consideration is the type of floral clusters that develop.  Even on males, tight and compact yet very productive clusters are desired to a lanky/airy, loose structure.

The next and perhaps most important characteristic to examine is that of odor/flavor and trichome development.  Again, the females will prove themselves with finished product, but the males are tricky.  The more Sativa females primarily contribute the type of flavor and aroma and the more Indica males contribute the amount of flavor and odor.  The "Sativa/Indica" aspects of this formula are mainly apparent in filial crosses to the third generation (f3).  Beyond the f3 the "Sativa/Indica" is less important than the odor/flavor and trichome development aspects it exhibits.  Therefore, one of the main aspects to consider when selecting a male is the depth of its aroma and flavor. 

With remaining males I usually employ an odor/flavor test as follows:  Using males at least two or three weeks into the flowering cycle (and preferably beyond if a separate, isolated space is utilized), I use a "scratch and sniff" technique.  Gently rub the stem where it is well developed and pliable, above the woody part and below the developing top.  The newer leaves at their halfway point of development may also be rubbed and sniffed.  These are the places that the earliest chemical signatures are apparent.  By examining these aromas, one may be able ot determine desirable characteristics. 

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