At this point in this seemingly never ending discussion…i think we can all agree that less than desirable environmental and cultural conditions influence the ratio of male to female. And…I know we all want to believe that we provide the most perfect of conditions for our beloved plant. I know that I do…but also know that I screw up constantly. It’s this whole human condition thing:)
So rather than try to answer a question we think we already know the answer to…lets raise a couple questions that may extend the conversation and hopefully help bring us all a little closer to understanding this plant we love…and maybe ourselves?
Could it be that seed stock showing what seems like unusual m/f ratios were produced under less than favorable conditions? Or maybe a generation or two back were produced under less than favorable conditions?
What is the role of the male in any population? To limit the spread of his genetic material? Or to spread that material far and wide? Could there be factors that influence a population to lean one way or the other? Could there be genetic “switches” activated under certain conditions that influence plant sex ratios generations down the road?
The hippie shit around the campfire explanation that always made sense to me is that the females job is to thrive and produce seed…the males job is to spread pollen. The females for the most part are stationary. The males…well…we all know how that pollen can get around…for miles and miles.
So…given favorable conditions there is little environmental pressure for high male ratios. The girls have everything they need to thrive and produce seed…no reason to seek greener pastures. High female ratios.
Given poor conditions the population is under pressure to find more suitable grounds so the girls can thrive. Which by this explanation equates to more males…more pollen…greater chance of that pollen making it to a population with better conditions.
This is a complex topic with many factors at play.We have some deep thinkers here at OG…let’s hear your thoughts.