CONJECTURE: HERMAPHRODITISM IN CANNABIS - A HUMAN-INDUCED PHENOMENON?

[goingrey]

Hemp breeders consider hermaphrodism a good thing because you have twice the amount of seedbearing plants and they all die at the same time so no need to deal with males rotting away much earlier. Because of this, they have selected heavily towards this trait, and the high prevalence of hermaphroditism in hemp is indeed "human-induced". In strains bred for seedless ganja use the opposite has happened, and the low prevalence of hermaphroditism is likewise "human-induced".

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

Hemp breeders consider hermaphrodism a good thing because you have twice the amount of seedbearing plants and they all die at the same time so no need to deal with males rotting away much earlier. Because of this, they have selected heavily towards this trait, and the high prevalence of hermaphroditism in hemp is indeed "human-induced". In strains bred for seedless ganja use the opposite has happened, and the low prevalence of hermaphroditism is likewise "human-induced".

This would explain why strains with closer relations to yunnanese hemp like norrthern thai/laos strains, have more tendency to hermies over some other landraces.

 

[Hammerhead]

I don't know enough about hemp specificity but I dont think hermaphrodism is different between them. Ive never grown or read anything about hemp as im not interested in growing it. If you are selecting for that trait regardless weather its hemp or drug type you will get more hermaphrodism. Hemp carries that trait as well and was not man made. Its always been there. If you are inducing/selecting for that trait you will get plenty of herm plants. hermaphrodism in cannabis is not !!! man made, 100% in the genetics .

 

[Old Piney]

Yes I'm thinking cannabis has been monoecious right along it closest and only relative Humulus lupulus (hops) is monoecious as well

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[Verdant Whisperer]

So looking back at the evolution of plants - we can most likely conclude that cannabis started as monoecious if it is following the same pattern of evolution observed in most plant species.

"In the evolutionary history of plants, monoecious (meaning a single plant has both male and female reproductive structures) is considered the ancestral condition. This means that early plants likely had both male and female reproductive organs on the same individual.

Dioecious plants, where separate individuals have either male or female reproductive structures, are thought to have evolved later as a derived condition from monoecious ancestors. This transition may have occurred as a result of various ecological and evolutionary pressures."

"The evolution of dioecy (separate male and female individuals) in plants is a complex phenomenon, and there are several speculated factors that might have contributed to its development. Some of these factors include:

1. Enhanced Genetic Diversity: Dioecy can increase genetic diversity within a population. This is because in a dioecious species, individuals cannot self-fertilize, which promotes outcrossing (pollen from one individual fertilizing the ovule of another). This genetic diversity can be advantageous in changing environments.
2. Reduced Inbreeding Depression: Dioecy can help prevent inbreeding depression, which occurs when individuals with similar genetic backgrounds mate. By separating male and female individuals, the chances of self-fertilization (and therefore inbreeding) are reduced.
3. Increased Seed Dispersal: Dioecy can lead to more effective seed dispersal. This is because seeds produced from cross-pollination are more likely to be dispersed away from the parent plant, increasing the chances of successful establishment in new habitats.
4. Avoidance of Herbivores and Pathogens: If there are specialized herbivores or pathogens that target either male or female reproductive structures, having separate individuals may reduce the likelihood of attack and increase the overall reproductive success of the population.
5. Resource Partitioning: In dioecious species, males and females may allocate resources differently. For example, females may invest more in seed production, while males may allocate resources to produce more pollen. This partitioning of resources can optimize reproductive success.
6. Response to Environmental Stress: In environments where resources are limited or environmental conditions are challenging, dioecy may provide a reproductive advantage. By specializing in either male or female function, individuals can focus their resources on one aspect of reproduction.
7. Evolutionary Advantage over Time: Over long periods of evolutionary time, the transition from monoecy (having both male and female reproductive structures on the same individual) to dioecy may have provided certain species with a competitive advantage in their ecological niche."

In theory, the ethylene levels in cannabis plants may exhibit variations between male, female, and hermaphrodite (hermie) plants, although it's important to note that empirical studies specifically on ethylene levels in cannabis sex determination are limited. However, based on broader plant biology knowledge, here's a theoretical overview of how ethylene levels might differ:

1. Female Plants:
   • Ethylene Production: Female cannabis plants may exhibit relatively stable or even slightly elevated ethylene levels during flowering. This is because ethylene plays a role in flower development and ripening in many plants, including those with separate male and female flowers.
   • Promotion of Female Flowers: Ethylene may promote the development of female flowers and enhance pistil growth, contributing to seed production if pollinated.
2. Male Plants:
   • Ethylene Production: Male cannabis plants may produce ethylene at a lower level compared to females. This is because they do not require the same extent of ethylene signaling for flower development.
   • Emphasis on Pollen Production: Male plants allocate resources towards producing pollen, and ethylene's role in this process is relatively limited.
3. Hermaphrodite (Hermie) Plants:
   • Ethylene Production: Hermie cannabis plants might display an altered ethylene production pattern compared to strictly male or female plants. They could potentially exhibit ethylene levels that fall in between those of male and female plants.
   • Presence of Both Male and Female Structures: Ethylene's influence in hermaphrodite plants may lead to the development of both male and female reproductive structures within the same flower.
   • Yes, there are handheld devices that can measure ethylene levels in plants. One such device is the ETD-300 ethylene detector developed by Sensor Sense B.V., Nijmegen, The Netherlands 1. It is a laser-based photoacoustic detector that has a sensitivity of 0.3 nL L −1, a response time of 5 s, and an ability to monitor ethylene in real time 1. The ETD-300 is relatively easy to operate, but the performance and correctness of the data obtained depends on the choice of settings, which depends on the application 1

 

[Old Piney]

More thoughts and conjecture with regard to the prevalence of hermaphrodites in equatorial sativas.Farmers in South India and South East Asia grew near seedless ganja. They were attentive to their crops and culled males. This combined with the strains being long-flowering would trigger hermaphrodites as a survival reaction. Whether or not the farmers collected seed that we're pollinated by hermaphrodites I don't know but western grower most certainly did out of the exported weed.This would have inadvertently selected for hermaphrodites. On the other hand New World farmers in the tropics were not as attentive to culling males and therefore less prevalence to hermaphrodites . Another thought maybe cannabis growing at the equator isn't natural, Perhaps the lack of photoperiod differentiation is in itself stressful .Nature Adapts

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

More thoughts and conjecture with regard to the prevalence of hermaphrodites in equatorial sativas.Farmers in South India and South East Asia grew near seedless ganja. They were attentive to their crops and culled males. This combined with the strains being long-flowering would trigger hermaphrodites as a survival reaction. Whether or not the farmers collected seed that we're pollinated by hermaphrodites I don't know but western grower most certainly did out of the exported weed.This would have inadvertently selected for hermaphrodites. On the other hand New World farmers in the tropics were not as attentive to culling males and therefore less prevalence to hermaphrodites . Another thought maybe cannabis growing at the equator isn't natural, Perhaps the lack of photoperiod differentiation is in itself stressful .Nature Adapts

I have a theory on this, I think the reason equatorial NLD Hermie more is because they have lower gibberellin levels compared to strains that experience more daylight change such as NLD. based on their composition NLD have lower level of gibberellins compared to BLD, and lower levels of Gibberellins could lead to an increase in ABA as gibberellins are known to have an effect on ABA levels in plants which is associated with stress.

Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are two crucial plant hormones that play opposing roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. Here's a brief explanation of their relationship:

1. Abscisic Acid (ABA):
   • Function: ABA is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it plays a central role in plant responses to environmental stresses. It regulates processes like seed dormancy, germination, stomatal closure (to prevent water loss), and responses to drought, salinity, and other stress conditions.
   • Effect on Growth: ABA generally inhibits plant growth. When ABA levels are high, it can suppress cell elongation and division, leading to reduced shoot growth.
2. Gibberellins (GAs):
   • Function: GAs are growth-promoting hormones that play a key role in processes like stem elongation, leaf expansion, seed germination, and flower and fruit development.
   • Effect on Growth: GAs stimulate cell elongation and division, leading to increased shoot and stem growth. They also break seed dormancy and promote germination.

Interplay between ABA and GAs:

• Seed Germination: ABA and GAs have opposing roles in seed germination. ABA maintains seed dormancy by inhibiting the action of GAs. When conditions are favorable for germination, ABA levels decrease, allowing GAs to initiate germination.
• Stress Response: ABA is the primary hormone involved in the plant's response to stress. It triggers responses that help the plant cope with adverse conditions, such as closing stomata to reduce water loss. In contrast, GAs promote growth, which may not be beneficial during stressful periods.
• Root Growth: ABA inhibits root elongation, helping plants conserve water in dry conditions. GAs, on the other hand, promote root growth.
• Bud Dormancy and Growth: ABA helps induce bud dormancy in trees during winter, preventing premature growth that could be damaged by frost. In spring, as conditions become more favorable, ABA levels decrease, allowing GAs to stimulate bud break and new growth.

In summary, ABA and GAs often have opposing effects on plant growth and development. ABA is associated with stress responses and growth inhibition, while GAs promote growth and development. The balance and interplay between these two hormones are crucial for plants to effectively respond to their environment and carry out essential life processes.

 

[Old Piney]

Ethylene may promote the development of female flowers and enhance pistil growth, contributing to seed production if pollinated.

It widely used as a ripening agent , it also used to promote flowering in many plants most notably pineapple. If you want to mess around with it , all you need is to let some apple slices start to rot

 

[Douglas.Curtis]

Hermies form within flowers, so you'll get male/hermie pollen produced seeds in nearly every flower. Regardless of whether it is inside or outside the flower.

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

Hermies form within flowers, so you'll get male/hermie pollen produced seeds in nearly every flower. Regardless of whether it is inside or outside the flower.

Understood, but by knowing that the hormones in true males contribute to faster flowering in general, we can speculate that its more likely seeds formed earlier and deeper imbedded in the buds, are more likely to have originated from true males.

 

[Cannaben123]

Here’s an extract from Flora Indica published in 1832 by William Roxburgh :

Indigenous amongst the hills and mountains north of India, and common every where in the gardens of the natives throughout Asia. The leaves of the male plant, as well as the flowers of the female are dried, and mixed with tobacco for smoking. They also bruise and mix with water for drinking the flowers of the male plant; this preparation is called Siddhee. They are all powerfully narcotic. The bark they make no use of in India, though equally strong, when carefully prepared, as the hemp of Russia. But Captain Hardwicke, on whom we can depend, observes, As. Res. vi. p. 376. that the natives in several parts of the mountains above Hurdwar manufacture a coarse, thick cloth from the bark, which the poorer people wear.


I perfectly agree with Willdenow, in thinking all the varieties, if even such they can be called, centre in one species. From the same seed and even on the same plant, I have found the leaves both opposite and alternate; and sometimes the more rare male and female flowers on the same individual, and even hermaphrodite.

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

Here’s an extract from Flora Indica published in 1832 by William Roxburgh :

Indigenous amongst the hills and mountains north of India, and common every where in the gardens of the natives throughout Asia. The leaves of the male plant, as well as the flowers of the female are dried, and mixed with tobacco for smoking. They also bruise and mix with water for drinking the flowers of the male plant; this preparation is called Siddhee. They are all powerfully narcotic. The bark they make no use of in India, though equally strong, when carefully prepared, as the hemp of Russia. But Captain Hardwicke, on whom we can depend, observes, As. Res. vi. p. 376. that the natives in several parts of the mountains above Hurdwar manufacture a coarse, thick cloth from the bark, which the poorer people wear.


I perfectly agree with Willdenow, in thinking all the varieties, if even such they can be called, centre in one species. From the same seed and even on the same plant, I have found the leaves both opposite and alternate; and sometimes the more rare male and female flowers on the same individual, and even hermaphrodite.

So Hermies where pretty rare in 1832 from his description, interesting. Great Find! Im thinking we(Humans) are responsible for this even more now.

 

[Cannaben123]

So Hermies where pretty rare in 1832 from his description, interesting. Great Find! Im thinking we(Humans) are responsible for this even more now.

Well at least in northern India.

It’s for sure a natural trait of cannabis, for self preservation, but I have zero doubt humans have increased its frequency. I also have zero doubt we all smoke 100x better weed than they did in 1832 haha.

I’ve been sitting on that little gem of a description for a hot min. Thanks for making the relevant thread to drop it!

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

Well at least in northern India.

It’s for sure a natural trait of cannabis, for self preservation, but I have zero doubt humans have increased its frequency. I also have zero doubt we all smoke 100x better weed than they did in 1832 haha.

I’ve been sitting on that little gem of a description for a hot min. Thanks for making the relevant thread to drop it!

You've been a member since 2018 and first post is in this thread, feels like divine intervention/something like that... Thankyou so much for you input.

 

[xtsho]

Cannabis plants have had hermaphroditic traits for tens of thousands of years. If anything, humans have through selective breeding caused a decrease in hermaphroditic traits.

 

[igrowone]

Hermies form within flowers, so you'll get male/hermie pollen produced seeds in nearly every flower. Regardless of whether it is inside or outside the flower.

true hermies have male flowers in their buds
there are other expressions though, some will have their male parts only in the node junctions
I just had such a plant, first I've ever seen
far easier to trim off roosters than a true hermie which are impossible to groom completely

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

Cannabis plants have had hermaphroditic traits for tens of thousands of years. If anything, humans have through selective breeding caused a decrease in hermaphroditic traits.

Maybe certain humans like tom hill for example or other breeders who use open pollination with high plant counts, but they are far and few. most indoor breeding done doesn't maintain diversity and is done with low plant counts and usually only 1 or 2 males, and outdoor they are culling the males and selecting seeds from only the best females in locations where most domesticated landraces are grown. its not a black or white subject, but wild cannabis theoretically should be stronger since cannabis has evolved to be dioicous it makes sense that for it to increase in monoicous traits would be a step backwards, if anything it should be working towards less hermies based on its evolutionary history.

 

[xtsho]

This is an interesting study done using several popular cannabis strains in a commercial environment.

"Cannabis sativa L. (hemp, marijuana), a member of the family Cannabaceae, is a diploid (2n = 20) outcrossing plant which produces male and female inflorescences on different plants (dioecious). Dioecy is proposed to have evolved from a hermaphrodite ancestor in angiosperms and is found in about 6% of all angiosperm plant species (Renner and Ricklefs, 1995). It has been proposed that dioecy is a basic evolutionary mechanism to ensure cross-fertilization and, as a consequence, results in maintenance of high genetic diversity and heterozygosity."

"Physical or chemical stresses can also have a role in inducing staminate flower development on female plants of marijuana. For example, external environmental stresses, e.g., low photoperiods and reduced temperatures in outdoor production, were reported to increase staminate flower formation (Kaushal, 2012)."

"In earlier research, induction of hermaphroditism in marijuana plants was achieved experimentally by applications of gibberellic acid (Heslop-Harrison, 1956, 1957; Ram and Jaiswal, 1970, 1972, 1974; Galoch, 1978; Rosenthal, 1991; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNOCD], 2009). Other studies showed that male and female flower ratios in marijuana plants could be altered by applications of chemicals such as 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, or cobalt chloride."

Frontiers | Hermaphroditism in Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) Inflorescences – Impact on Floral Morphology, Seed Formation, Progeny Sex Ratios, and Genetic Variation

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp, marijuana) produces male and female inflorescences on different plants (dioecious) and therefore the plants are obligatory out-cros...

www.frontiersin.org

 

[Verdant Whisperer]

In article and interesting

"Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were used to analyze DNA fragments. A 540 base pair (bp) fragment was found in both male and female plants. Additionally, a 390 bp band was exclusively associated with male plants."

Based off below list we can also propose that monecious plants have adaptability in terms of stress based on their hormonal profiles. but as in humans males have high test, and females lower test, marijuana dioecies varities seem to share similiar characteristics, the females exhibits less growth hormones than males. the increase in cytokines may indeed increase the amount of terpenes compared to seeded females, so in theory seeded monecious buds are more terp rich/possibly more thc and cbd than the same seeded dioecious buds. while sin-semilla is always going to contain the most due to the excessive stress, and continuous production of pistols and trichomes.

• Male Plants:
  • Auxin: High
  • Gibberellin: High
  • Cytokinin: High
• Female Plants:
  • Auxin: Medium
  • Gibberellin: Low
  • Cytokinin: Low
• Hermaphrodite Plants:
  • Auxin: Medium
  • Gibberellin: Medium
  • Cytokinin: Medium

 

[Old Piney]

preparation is called Siddhee.

What was this really about? In think no narcotic effect at all