Unknown flowering problem?!

[TGT]

I have been growing this strain for years now and for some reason they seem to be putting out more pistols than normal, almost as though it is on the verge of budding. The plants are in large pots so it is not because it is root bound, and even if it were it has never exhibited this trait before. The lights are on twenty hours light, four hours dark and very healthy. The other strain I have nesters to be starting to acquire this problem also.

The only thing I can think of is the bulb is extremely old. I grabbed it out of storage and have used it numerous times. I thought I could use it just for veg and then get a new bulb in bud.

So, any ideas, and could it be the old hps bulb?

TGT

 

[dalilguy]

TGT, if nothing else has changed.. Nutes enviro etc. I'd toss it to the hps. I've seen crops come out like shit due to old bulbs.

 

[grow_right]

if this is a clone from an old plant, i have seen they produce pistils even under 24/7 lighting.

 

[Avinash.miles]

old mom? mom rootbound?

 

[TGT]

Dalilguy, I too have seen old bulbs produce inferior product. That is the only difference other that old genetics, but up till now I never believed in genetic drift, but I guess we will see.

Growright, you are correct, the cutting is now around ten years old and has been rooted in bud more times than I can count. That said the clones mother is not old as I always take a clone from a clone. Also even when taken in bud she always reverted back to veg with no problem. It has always displayed pistols in veg, but now it's as though she is alway a week into bud to the point the hairs accumulate into almost a beginning nugget. She still grows as fast and vigorous as before, so it really isn't causing a problem, it's just such a change. Thanks for your help.

I'll try and post some pictures. I am thinking it is the old bulb so I'll change that to see what happens. It does seem even by eye to have lost its spectrum, much farther in the red.

TGT

 

[izzybud]

. She still grows as fast and vigorous as before, so it really isn't causing a problem, it's just such a change.

so whats the "problem" or are you just wondering?

 

[TGT]

Just wondering as I have never seen this and it is making me think genetic drift is true in regards to cuttings. If this is the reason it will be proof (to me anyways) that a clone can peter out after years of clone from clone. I do think it has to do with my old light spectrum challenged bulb, but we will see. I'll be sure to post my results. Thanks for your interest.

TGT

 

[Floridian]

I've always taken pistil free cuts from near the bottom of the plant to avoid those pistil issues,its not the lamp

 

[hereigrow]

I've seen this from stress, clones taken to long into flower, whacky inconsistent photoperiod. I also agrew i do not believe in genetic drift....if it is a scientific fact Idk but I have never seen it myself.

 

[TGT]

Floridian, I too always take cuttings from the bottom and try to take them only in veg, and this is what I have done with this clone for ten years now. Probably one out of ten times I take cuttings a week or so into bud when I procrastinate, but try to maintain healthy clones and healthy genetics as much as possible. I treasure my collection dearly. Once in a while I would think most people get behind schedule by a week or two when growing for long periods of time or perpetually. Well, at least I hope I'm not the only one? lol.

When you say it is not the age of the bulb have you used extremely old ones in the past with no problems? I don't believe in genetic drift (or at least I didn't) but need to find why this plant is hairier than normal lol. If I can't then the only explanation can be genetic drift.

Hereigrow, I am thinking you are correct and the stress could be in the form of an inproper spectrum? I am going to go over my grow with a fine tooth comb and see what other stress related factors could be the cause. Now that I think of it the pots are a little small and I did let the plants droop two times during veg from late waterings, but very mildly and it never was a problem before. May be a combination of things?

Thanks for the help. Pictures coming soon, it's such a pain with an IPad.

TGT

 

[Floridian]

I dont think I'd call it genetic drift because in really doesnt have to do with genetics.I had it happen to a blockhead pheno after about 4 years and usually you can grow the pistilly cut out and take pistilo free cuts from the bottom just as soon as you can like 3-4 inches.Its really all you can do.I got lazy and stopped taking cuts during 18/6 taking them a week or so into flower.I think thats the problem myself,I'm convinced taking cuts when the plant is "changing" under 12/12 even a short time and goodbye pistil free cuts eventually.Or it could be yor momma don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll.

 

[TGT]

Floridian, everything you wrote makes sense and I am glad you experienced it too. I now think from what you wrote and from what I know of my plants that it is from taking cuts in bud. I have done it many times so I guess the change is for good? I just hope it does not eventually weaken the genetics and/or change the plant in other traits. So I'm safe from genetic drift and again I think it's just a farce -thank god lol.

Thanks greatly for your input! Experience is the best method to learn from IMHO.

TGT