How does a plant respond if only 1% (or fewer) of its flowers pollinated?

[Jim Haddar]

My wife and I are wondering how it affects a plant if only a few of its pistils are pollinated. Does it cause the plant to finish flowering sooner? Does it affect the potency of the unpollinated buds? Will the plant stretch or stop getting taller? Does anyone even know?

 

[Jim Haddar]

My guess is that somehow the plant “knows” that it is “pregnant.” Chemical processes are being triggered and signals would be sent to other parts of the plant if a flower gets pollinated, I am thinking, but does it make a big difference for the average grower?

 

[treefarmercharlie]

Each calyx is pollinated directly so only the flowers that have pollinated calyxes will develop seeds and, as far as I know, the rest of the plant will continue on as usual.

 

[Jim Haddar]

Each calyx is pollinated directly so only the flowers that have pollinated calyxes will develop seeds and, as far as I know, the rest of the plant will continue on as usual.

That’s more or less what I expected. It would probably take a hefty research grant and expensive academic infrastructure to know for certain. Probably not worth the expense and effort. Thanks.

 

[MikeyDread]

I do it every grow..never noticed a difference in yield , growth, just tag the branch ..trust me.

 

[Turpman]

I would think you would have excelent seed that matures early I don’t think it will effect much else.