Aspiring breeders can quickly be overwhelmed with information while doing research. Before getting into the genetic side of things, understanding the cannabis plant and how it works is the first step to making better decisions in your breeding program. Nutrient uptake, environmental reactions, and susceptibility to pathogens and pests are among many traits that need to be considered other than the physical appearance of the plant. There is a wealth of information on the internet for this research, but always qualify your sources to avoid bad information. If you are comfortable with your plant knowledge and you are serious about breeding, the best place to start is with Gregor Mendel and his experiments on pea plants. Mendel’s observations created the basis for modern genetic research, and explain how genes interact with each other according to the offspring. This is very important to know if you want to continue learning advanced genetic principles and it will give you a better idea of what is happening in your crosses.

Here are some resources that may be helpful:

Mendelian Inheritance

Marijuana Botany

The Cannabis Breeder’s Bible: The Definitive Guide to Marijuana Genetics, Cannabis Botany and Creating Strains for the Seed Market

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