Abstract

Cannabis, belonging to the Cannabaceae family, exhibits sexual dimorphism, with individuals manifesting as male, female, or hermaphroditic, a trait influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions. The induction of hermaphroditism in female cannabis plants can be achieved through various means, including natural and chemical methods, such as the application of colloidal silver to facilitate the production of feminized seeds. This study aimed to assess the seed set and germination rates associated with cross-pollination and self-pollination techniques in two distinct cannabis strains: CBD Charlotte’s Angel and Sugar Bomb Punch. Data collection involved the evaluation of two plants per strain, with germination tests conducted using four replicates per strain, each comprising 20 seeds. Results revealed that the CBD Charlotte’s Angel strain exhibited robust seed set following cross-pollination, yielding 1,142 seeds with an average germination rate of 98.75%. Conversely, self-pollination produced 1,089 seeds, with all seeds exhibiting germination 100%. Similarly, the Sugar Bomb Punch strain demonstrated a significant seed set through cross-pollination, yielding 692 seeds with an average germination rate of 97.5%. Self-pollination yielded 148 seeds, also with an average germination rate of 97.5%. Consequently, the findings suggest that inducing hermaphroditism in female cannabis plants can lead to the production of female seeds, while cross-pollination tends to result in a higher seed yield compared to self-pollination.