I am just curious if there is any information out there about what is happening during the last 10 days or so up until the point of peak maturity. I am not interested in the GROW FAQ content but more details about what follows below:

When I examine the leaves under a scope it seems like many of the trichs begin as small bubbles on the leaves that balloon outward in a spongiform-like growth. It also seems like there has been a noticeable shift in trichrome density since I started flushing 4 days ago.

The developed [stalked] trichs are almost all cloudy with roughly 10% of them being amber. I understand that the breakdown of THC leads to --> CBN's etc that produce a different 'couch-lock' effect. But does the presence of small bubbles along the midline of the leaf that are not vertically elongated indicate that trichrome development is still in it's early stages??

The swelling of the buds has slowed dramatically. Now it seems like the plant has shifted its development toward the formation of THC. Why is this favorable in terms of evolution? HASN'T ANYONE WONDERED why the plant developed THC to begin with? Is it acting as a sunscreen or phytoprotectant. As an animal attractant? Is it an accidental byproduct of some other favorable development? If we understood why the plant is making THC to begin with - we may be able to genetically favor its production by altering gene expression - eg. cross breeding with other plant species that upregulate similar resin producing genes, etc.

Has anyone ever heard of genetically modified bud? And I don't mean via selective breeding but rather through gene experimentation.

I am sure that these aren't the first time that these questions have been asked. But it's hard to find a reliable consolidated source for this stuff.

Thanks to all replies!
B

I've notice in the last days, they put on a lot more weight. I think they are filling out, kinda like, at first they're empty and then they fill out at the end. I once harvested early just to see and there was a dramatic difference in weight.

I also wondered why this plant does what it does but I've realized that its God's gift to all. If you plant it, they'll eat it. I think that maybe its part of God's way to ensure next season's plants grow. When the animals eat em, they poop em out and bingo! fertilizer.... I think??? LOL!

__________________
The Great One has spoken!

"But does the presence of small bubbles along the midline of the leaf that are not vertically elongated indicate that trichrome development is still in it's early stages??"

These are just another type of trich...trich development is not in the early stages at this point

"HASN'T ANYONE WONDERED why the plant developed THC to begin with?"

Resin glands are there to protect the plant from the elements such as sun and low humidity.....if you have a way to genetically mutate buds....well sir...you are a god. It is possible I suppose....I read this article on it....


AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND -- The debate over agricultural biotechnology took a sharp turn yesterday as Dutch scientists announced that they have produced genetically altered marijuana plants which are more potent than those found in nature. "By replacing a single gene we have developed plants which produce over 100 times as much THC, the active ingredient in marijuana," said Dr. Wim van Halder, project leader at Amsterdam based BioCenter.
The recent discovery has already affected the discourse concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as members of organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth have begun to embrace the technology. "I was, like, totally against genetic modification," said Nigel Robinson, a British member of Greenpeace, "but this changes everything!" Paul van Poppel, a spokesman for the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth also expressed appreciation for the discovery, saying that biotech research is finally moving in the right direction. "For years they have been telling us that biotechnology would feed starving people and help the environment," he said while inhaling smoke through a water pipe. "But now the GM scientists have finally given us something of value." Added van Poppel: "By the way, could you pass me that bag of peanuts?"
Other outspoken critics of GM technology were not as optimistic. Mae-Wan Ho of the Open University's Institute of Science in Society and Biology Department observed that, "increased THC levels may horizontally transfer through the taste buds, causing uncontrollably high levels of the munchies."
A spokesman for Prince Charles also expressed concern and said that increased appetite levels may be extremely dangerous for some people, such as HRH's personal friend Vandana Shiva: "I mean, she's big enough already. Toking genetically modified superweed could only make matters worse." Shiva, who is currently blocking food aid to cyclone victims in Orissa, could not be reached for comment.

i have to say that the article you posted is over the top. thanks for the the replies. you are right i think about the weight - not to mention the aroma. the frost that is accumulating at this point all over the buds is unbelievable. i may be suffering from uncontrollably high levels of the munchies if it continues...

with respect to genetically modified plants - this is what i was talking about:
infecting plants with a bacteria which effectively transfers genes from one plant to the next.

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