In a simple way, we can say that a mutation is a change within the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can manifest in all living beings, including plants, which have their own DNA and are susceptible to mutations. It is good to point out that the moment in which changes are generated within a DNA sequence is at cell division when the DNA machinery makes a mistake and cannot be corrected within the cell.
For this reason, mutations are generated by chance without an order that determines it in the phase of cell division. However, there is also the possibility that they can be induced, for example, by exposure to certain chemicals. Now, in the case of cannabis, a mutation can be beneficial, harmful, or even go unnoticed. Changes to a plant’s DNA can affect many areas of the plant including its structure, color, leaf shape, germination rate, shoot location, overall yield, photosynthetic ability, and much more.
This is explained because the cells have (repair) mechanisms that analyze if the DNA is in the correct order. Despite that, on certain occasions, they can make a mistake and produce an incorrect sequence that leads to a mutation.
In general terms, we have talked about mutations and now we will see that there are two types of DNA mutations: genetic mutations and chromosomal mutations. First of all, a genetic mutation is one that changes the order of the bases in a DNA strand. For its part, a chromosomal mutation can manifest itself in different ways as we have already pointed out: the order of the genes on the chromosome can change, genes can be duplicated or deleted, and genes can even break off from one chromosome and attach to another.
Although mutations are present in cannabis plants, both genetic mutations such as chromosomal ones occur generally with low frequency. The highest rates of mutation typically occur when DNA is damaged by a mutagenic agent such as a chemical such as colchicine, caffeine, or mustard gas, or by UV, X-ray, or gamma radiation, among others.
Although these DNA alterations are harmful to the plant, they are not passed on to subsequent generations. Certain desirable traits such as a super short flowering time, and a certain flavor or aroma, among other qualities that a breeder can look for in the plant, arise through random mutations.
The traits obtained can often be stabilized through selective breeding or natural selection which is why many breeders make large selections of parents for periods of 2, 3, 4 or more years until they find the cannabis specimen they are looking for. Consequently, with this work you can find some of the most famous cannabis seeds today. We continue in this article so you can see and learn more about the impressive world of mutations in cannabis in depth.
Cannabis with a “wheat phenotype or stringy flower”
This type of mutation is one of the best known in cannabis and is frequently present in mostly sativa varieties, mainly in landraces (typical varieties of a specific area) and in strains from South America or South East Asia.
Some of the most outstanding characteristics of the “wheat phenotype” varieties are the incomparable aroma that they expel as well as the incredibly intense psychoactive effects that they produce in their users. Nevertheless, they take longer to mature and, in turn, are less productive, a little more difficult to cultivate and harvest, and tend to have higher rates of hermaphroditism than plants without mutations.
Australian Bastard Cannabis
Cannabis plants that suffer from the “Australian Bastard” mutation are a type of weed plant that has evolved and its genes have stabilized over time, forming its own cannabis strain. Having a different appearance from what we know as a marijuana plant, the specimens are often confused with another type of plant in the world of cannabis, however, it is an authentic marijuana plant.
These types of plants develop small leaves and a thin structure that help them defend themselves against the cold. Remember that it is called Australian Bastard Cannabis because it is typical of the mountains near Sydney where low temperatures prevail. For this reason, this type of plant has mutated, seeking to be more resistant to cold with “bush” shapes and brighter and narrower leaves.
Albine cannabis
When we talk about albinism, we cannot fail to mention weed because there are also albino marijuana plants. This happens because albino plants do not have chlorophyll which means that there is no pigment available to absorb the sun’s energy.
In other words, these types of cannabis plants do not have the ability to respond properly to light. Due to this type of mutation, most albino plants die at an early stage before reaching maturity. Therefore, many of them do not reach flowering.
Duckfoot Cannabis
The leaves in this type of mutation come together like a duck’s foot. For this reason, it is clearly visible even for the most novice grower. This type of malformation can be seen commonly in mostly sativa genetics.
This mutation has no effect on increasing or decreasing yield or potency compared to a normal cannabis plant. Additionally, plants that undergo this mutation in cool enough temperatures and have a purple color bias can produce beautiful purple buds.
Polyembrionic Seeds
Polyembryonic seeds present two embryos from a fertilized ovule and at the same time, another embryo that is produced by the tissues of the female organ of the plant. In conclusion, one plant will be the original and the other will be a clone of the mother plant, therefore 2 identical plants appear from the same seed.
This is expressed by the appearance of two different roots of a polyembryonic seed which will make their separation difficult but not impossible. In any case, if you see that this mutation occurs in some of your seeds, you can grow the two plants in a normal way, although we would recommend that you use a large enough pot so that the two plants can grow in the most optimal way possible.
Leaf Buds
In normal plants, the cannabis flowers are generated in the internodes, but due to a mutation, it is possible that this changes. It is good to remove these buds because they usually consume the nutrients and energy that the plant needs to develop the flowers that grow normally. To do this, we recommend removing the entire branch that houses these mutant flowers which are usually small and do not tend to develop much.
Whorled phyllotaxis
This type of mutation causes a plant to produce additional internodal leaves. In other words, if an internode produces 2 leaves in a normal plant, 3 leaves or more will be produced in a plant with a mutation, a phenomenon called phyllotaxy.
The hybrid type cannabis strains, that is, 50% indica and 50% sativa, are the ones that suffer the most from this type of mutation. It generates certain problems for indoor growers, especially in the height that the plants reach which rewards breeders with higher yields and heavy harvests. Although, you should be careful because it can have a tendency of hermaphroditism.
Vine Like Cannabis
This mutation is quite rare and unusual, however, some experienced breeders have reported its existence and full validity.
Vine-Like is a mutation that causes the plant to grow like a real vine around the central stem. This mutation does not appear commonly, so it is good to know that if you are a mutation hunter you will have to search deep to get it as it is not a commercial type.
Diploid Cannabis plant
The origins of cannabis come from a diploid plant, that is, it has half of the genetic information of the father and the other half of the mother in its DNA. However, when polyploidy occurs, this genetic information is duplicated. In other words, diploid cannabis plants have twice as many DNA strands as they should and in some cases more.
The plants often show huge double-shaped buds and they look strange compared to a plant without this mutation as they develop more calyxes, leaves, and stigmas than a normal plant would. There is no scientific evidence that Diploid plants develop more powerful buds and more abundant harvests despite many gardeners believing that this happens with this type of plant.
Strains to cultivate without fear of mutations
Now, we are going to show you some of the genetics from the Blimburn Seeds Bank catalog that you can grow without fear of mutations because our strains are of high standards for novice growers or cannabis experts. In this selection of 4 varieties, you can find strains that are rich in thc, medicinal strains that are rich in CBD, some mostly indica and others more sativa, and also hybrid strains that give you great harvests with amazing buds.
Pink Runtz
Pink Runtz is a hybrid strain of cannabis that originates from crossing Pink Panties x Rainbow Sherbet. This Pink Runtz strain delivers high potency because you will find buds with levels of THC from 20%-22%.
With this strain, you will also harvest in a short time of only 8-10 weeks, producing flowering buds with a sweet and fruity flavor with yields ranging from 350gr-400gr/m2 indoors and 400gr-450gr/plant outdoors.
Jungle Wreck
Another gem from Blimburn Seeds is called Jungle Wreck, a mostly Indica variety that delivers heavy yields of 400g/m2 indoors and about 500g/plant outdoors.
Jungle Wreck is characterized by its rapid flowering that takes 60-65 days and an average potency of 15%-18% THC that makes it suitable for people who want a strain with more bearable and not so intense effects. Buy feminized seeds by Blimburn Seeds now!
CBD Carmagnola
You can also bet on a medicinal strain that is rich in CBD and low in THC such as CBD Carmagnola. This variety has 9%-12% CBD and only 0.2%-0.3% THC which makes it ideal for people who suffer from anxiety, stress, or depression as it helps fight against these pathologies.
This medicinal strain is mostly sativa and due to its parents, Carmagnola CBD x OG Kush CBD, its flavor is citric and earthy with hints of lemon. We have more than 500 feminized sativa, indica, and hybrid seeds on our website. Remember, always buy high CBD seeds at Blimburnseeds.com with different payment methods.
GMO
GMO is a mostly indica strain of great power because its THC levels range from 26%-28% with flowers that deliver flavors of fruit and coffee with rich notes of earth and full of sweetness. The yields of this strain range from 500gr-600gr/m2 indoors and 600gr-700gr/plant for outdoor gardeners. This strain is perfect for outdoor cultivation.
GMO originated from a cross between Chemdog D x Girl Scout Cookies, induces relaxation, and helps people who suffer from insomnia, depression, and nausea, among other pathologies. In addition, it is good to note that it is an easy strain to grow for both beginners and experts and that it can be harvested after 8-9 weeks of flowering.
Now you have a deeper knowledge of the main mutations that cannabis can undergo. If you find any in your garden, do not forget to share them with our team because our breeders are always on the lookout for new cannabis rarities that can surprise even the most experienced gardener.
Without a doubt, the recommendations that we leave you here are the ones that you should try both for indoor and outdoor cultivation or perhaps for mixed cultivation if you are a more advanced gardener or a cannabis scientist who likes to experiment in-depth with your marijuana plants. In short, remember to take the best care of your marijuana plants so that they alone will reward you with the best flowers you’ve ever tasted. See you in the next blog! Don’t forget to leave us your comments below. Buy feminized seeds with triple guarantee! Fast and discreet shipping is only possible at Blimburn Seeds.
