Training - Topping and Low Stress Training (LST)Updated 7 months ago

Topping and low-stress training (LST) are two common cannabis training techniques used to enhance plant growth and yield. Topping involves cutting the top growth of the plant to encourage bushier growth, while LST involves gently bending and tying down branches to shape the plant without causing significant stress.

Topping is a high-stress training technique where the main stem of the cannabis plant is cut off, usually just above a node. This process forces the plant to redirect its energy from vertical growth to the growth of side branches, resulting in a bushier plant with more main colas.

Topping offers several benefits:

• Increased Yield: By creating more main colas, topping can lead to a higher overall yield.
• Bushier Plant Structure: Topping encourages lateral growth, resulting in a wider, bushier plant.
• Light Penetration: A bushier plant structure allows for better light distribution to lower branches.
• Canopy Control: Helps manage plant height and create a more even canopy, which is beneficial for indoor growing.

Despite its benefits, topping has some drawbacks:

• Stress: Topping is a high-stress technique that can temporarily slow down plant growth as it recovers.
• Risk of Infection: Cutting the plant opens up the risk for infection if not done properly.
• Timing: Topping must be done at the right time (typically during the vegetative stage) to avoid stunting the plant's growth.

Low-stress training (LST) involves gently bending and securing the plant's branches to create a more desirable shape and structure. This method manipulates the plant’s growth pattern without causing significant stress or damage, promoting a more even canopy and better light distribution.

LST provides several advantages:

• Minimized Stress: LST is a gentle method that causes minimal stress to the plant.
• Improved Light Exposure: By spreading out the branches, LST ensures that more of the plant receives light, enhancing photosynthesis.
• Controlled Growth: Helps manage plant height and shape, making it ideal for limited spaces.
• Increased Bud Sites: By exposing more branches to light, LST can lead to more bud sites and potentially higher yields.

However, LST has some disadvantages:

• Labor-Intensive: LST requires regular attention and adjustments as the plant grows.
• Slower Initial Results: It may take longer to see significant changes compared to topping.
• Skill Required: Properly implementing LST requires a gentle touch and understanding of plant growth patterns.

Topping alters the plant’s growth by physically removing the apical dominance, encouraging the plant to grow wider rather than taller. This creates a bushier plant with more main colas.

LST manipulates the plant’s natural growth pattern by bending and securing branches, promoting an even distribution of growth hormones. This encourages lateral growth and better light penetration without the high stress of cutting.

Topping is best done during the vegetative stage when the plant has at least 4-5 nodes, ensuring it has enough growth to recover and branch out effectively. Avoid topping during the flowering stage as it can stress the plant and reduce yields.

LST can be started early in the vegetative stage and continued throughout the plant’s life cycle. It’s best to begin LST when the plant is young and the stems are still flexible, allowing for easier manipulation and training.

Topping can significantly increase the final yield by promoting the growth of multiple main colas. The increase in bud sites from the bushier structure can lead to higher overall yields.

LST also enhances yield by exposing more of the plant to light and creating additional bud sites. While LST may not result in as dramatic an increase in main colas as topping, the overall improvement in light exposure and plant shape can lead to substantial yield gains.

Both topping and LST can improve the quality of the cannabis by ensuring better light penetration and air circulation throughout the plant. This can lead to healthier, more resinous buds. However, the quality also depends on other factors such as genetics, nutrients, and overall plant care.

Topping poses several risks and challenges:

• Recovery Time: Plants need time to recover from the stress of being topped, which can temporarily slow growth.
• Infection Risk: Improper topping can lead to infections at the cut site.
• Timing Sensitivity: Topping too early or too late can negatively impact plant growth and yield.

LST also has its own set of challenges:

• Constant Maintenance: LST requires regular adjustments as the plant grows.
• Potential Breakage: Over-bending or improper securing can break or damage branches.
• Patience Required: It may take longer to see significant structural changes compared to topping.

Both techniques can be part of a comprehensive cannabis growing strategy. Topping is often used to create a strong foundation of multiple main colas, while LST is used to further shape the plant and maximize light exposure. Combining both methods can lead to optimal plant structure, health, and yield.

LST is generally better suited for beginners due to its low-stress nature and minimal risk of causing severe damage to the plant. It allows new growers to learn about plant manipulation without the high stakes of potentially stunting growth or causing infections.

Topping, while effective, requires more confidence and understanding of plant growth cycles. Beginners may want to gain some experience with basic plant care and LST before attempting topping.