Hiya,
I know its 3 months later but I am sure people are still reading over thread, as herming is here to stay! Just thought I could help clear some stuff up about a flowering female plant that produces male parts- it is seldom related to genetics. Rather, the environment such as light, temp, and lifespan are proven triggers of herming.
A buddy of mine’s prized mother plant hermied in flower, but the clones that he took a month prior went through flower without any issues. Considering all environmental conditions were identical, this is solid evidence.
Back to answering your question, it is possible to have unstable genetics that cause the plant to hermie.
But with that being said, the underlying cause is not just “it has hermie DNA”, its deeper. It could be any one of thousands of mutations in genes i.e- a mutation that makes it more sensitive to heat or light fluctuation, which in turn causes the plant to flip into its “hermie” mode. This is where hormones are triggered that induces a defense mechanism, synonymous to a humans fight or flight mode. The mother just wants to be able to reproduce, and if she feels that her life is in danger and there are no males dropping pollen, she says fuck it and does it herself. And a good chunk of todays strains contain this mechanism, due to the inbreeding and crossing over the last 30 years.
On the flip side, what you really want to find are the strains that can have gene mutations which silence the precursors for this fight or flight mechanism, making them very unlikely to herm, simply because its just genetically impossible.
You may ask well where do I find these seeds? A good breeder with strong vintage genetic histories. On a side note- there are some growers that have mother plants from the 1970s still alive, kept under 20-4 hr light cycle, with clones being taken off for every new season. So there is hope, you just have to do your research!
A safe bet to make concerning hermies, its about:
15% (weak genetics) 85% environment
Cheers,
Tree