Pollen

For flower growers, pollen is an adversary. A single male plant can release enough pollen to fertilize an entire room of female plants, converting seedless (sinsemilla) flower production into seedy, lower-quality product. This is why sexing plants early and removing males is critical in any cannabis garden. Pollen is remarkably mobile: it travels on air currents, clothing, hands, and equipment. Even a small amount of stray pollen can cause scattered seeds in nearby female flowers.

For breeders, pollen is the essential tool for creating new genetics. Selected male plants are isolated in separate rooms, and their pollen is carefully collected and stored. Pollen can be applied to specific branches of a female plant using a small brush, allowing the breeder to produce seeds on one branch while the rest of the plant continues producing sinsemilla flower. Fresh pollen is most viable, but it can be stored in the freezer with desiccant for several months. Controlled pollination is the foundation of every new strain that enters the market.