Will pricey seed strains from reputable sources breed true?

[de145]

Is it viable to make a "backup" of a pricey strain of seeds by breeding a male and female of that strain or would the resulting plants grown from those seeds not be true to the original seeds purchased?

I'm guessing it depends on the exact strain and how stable or what generation it is?

Wouldn't the fact that they can sell you seeds that are supposed to conform to a certain type indicate they are stable or does that drift in the next generation?

If so is there a good source of info for the genetics of popular strains?

(I'm weighing the pros and cons of keeping a mother versus seeds)

Any help or a kick in the right direction greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[cannabi]

AFAIK seeds breeders release are F1 hybrids for the most part... hence hybrid vigor. F1 to F1 cross will make an F2 hybrid which does not have the consistency of an F1 hybrid, even though it may retain some desirable traits.

You MIGHT be able to use CS to feminize an F1 plant and self-pollinate it with itself to get feminized seed version of a limited bag of genetics, but in that case it's still technically an F2 hybrid.

 

[mrred]

yep its worth it to let the male spew pollen everywhere, espcially for beginners because going for a seedrun the first time makes alot of sense, sure good breeders pick out of 10s of 1000s but itll still be some good seeds

 

[ibjamming]

Is it viable to make a "backup" of a pricey strain of seeds by breeding a male and female of that strain or would the resulting plants grown from those seeds not be true to the original seeds purchased?

Yes...I do it all the time. They may be true, they may not. Many times the seeds you bought aren't true to the "strain" either. Growing from seed is a crapshoot...more on that later.


I'm guessing it depends on the exact strain and how stable or what generation it is?

Exactly!

Wouldn't the fact that they can sell you seeds that are supposed to conform to a certain type indicate they are stable or does that drift in the next generation?

This isn't a USDA inspected/regulated business. Stick to reliable breeders and use the sponsors here and you'll do OK. Drift to the unknown breeders and you could quite literally get ANY seed...could be bag seed. And no, hydrids aren't stable. You want to look at IBL or landrace (look them up) if you want stable.

If so is there a good source of info for the genetics of popular strains?

Of course there is...do a search for what strain interests you. There are strain guides here...a whole section devoted to it.

(I'm weighing the pros and cons of keeping a mother versus seeds)

I told you I'd get back to growing from seed...many people but a pack or a few packs of the same strain. They plant them all and take clones from each before putting them into flower. The girls are grown out, the clones are kept vegging. After harvest, the best girl/girls are determined and all the clones but the "keepers" are killed...or given away...and those "keeper" girls are turned into mothers. It keeps you from having to waste time with losers. It all depends on your growing conditions. Can you keep mothers in veg forever?

Any help or a kick in the right direction greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

Good luck!