growers will top up to 5 times (or more) to obtain 32
branches and can be well rewarded for their efforts.
Healthy plants usually take 2-3 days to recover
from topping. After topping, do not remove the leaves
from that node as these are needed to power growth
of the branches from that node. Never top during
flowering as it causes too much stress – which slows
growth and inhibits yield. Do not top unhealthy
plants. Also, avoid topping older, thicker growth as
this takes longer to heal.
STEP 2: Low Stress Training (LST)
After topping (done twice in Fig 3b) there are
four quality branches (or bud sites) growing vertically
from what was originally the top node. LST involves
pulling these branches downwards (to horizontal)
and outwards (i.e. “star” configuration) so that all four
branches are spread apart from one another, horizon-
tal and at the same height (Fig 4). The lower branches
from the nodes ‘below’ where topping occurred are
now also closer and more exposed to the light. As
these grow up they can be topped and manipulated
using LST.
Important Points for LST
When to Start and Finish LST
LST should be started as soon as possible during
the vegetative phase. The flowering phase can com-
mence once all major branches are horizontal and
level with each other. Budding can be triggered by
switching lights to 12-on, 12-off. LST should continue
during early flowering as vegetative growth contin-
ues. Maintain a flat, level branch structure. Vegetative
growth will eventually stop when the plant is putting
most of its energy into flowering. Minimal adjustment
is required after this point – apart from keeping shade
away from key areas. It can be beneficial to remove
small, lower growth as this helps improve ventilation
through the canopy and prevents infestations or infec-
tions due to foliage being in contact with soil.
Bending Branches
Young growth is easier to bend than older
growth. Also some species/strains are easier than oth-
ers. Do not rush to get branches horizontal, do this
in stages. When a branch is first bent, growth will
be slowed. Foliage will re-orientate towards the light
then eventually start to grow. LST again once it grows
another 3 inches or so.
Methods for Securing Branches for LST
It is important to use a method that is strong
enough to support the plant during flowering and yet
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November 2017