Harvest & Curing What factor(s) most influence bud density?

[Stone420]

I guess we have all seen light and airy buds that don't have much density and takes quite a bit of bud to weigh out. In contrast, I have grown tight, dense nugs that are hard and compact.

Question: Is this basic density difference a matter of genetics, phenotype, strains.....or is it environment influences? Or both?

Thanks!

 

[Free Flow]

Yes, all of those factors play in to how the buds form. Its a science to get everything right.

 

[Arthur]

Genetics, environment, light. Sativas "tend" to be more airy, as they are tropical and need the space to transpire.
Idicas "tend" to be more compact and dense, as they tend to come from cooler climates.

Lighting... a very long time ago I was told that when I made the move to 1k watt lights I would never move back... quantity as apposed to 2 600s was about equal, but density....
Was HPS till switching to COBS last year. Maximum par with a good environment on the lower side of good temps... then it's just up to the genetics...

 

[Stone420]

Genetics, environment, light. Sativas "tend" to be more airy, as they are tropical and need the space to transpire.
Idicas "tend" to be more compact and dense, as they tend to come from cooler climates.

Lighting... a very long time ago I was told that when I made the move to 1k watt lights I would never move back... quantity as apposed to 2 600s was about equal, but density....
Was HPS till switching to COBS last year. Maximum par with a good environment on the lower side of good temps... then it's just up to the genetics...

Good information @Arthur - I appreciate your input. I just came off an indoor grow with White Widow Photo, and we know this is an Indica/Sativa hybrid. I noted the buds are semi-light and airy, but the Sativa influence as you point out can have an influence on this density.

Speaking of lights, I use a 135W Quantum Board LED by Horticulture Lighting Group in my smaller 2x2 tent. The WW-P plant grew to large proportions in this tent in a 5G pot in OF soil. Even though the buds were semi-airy, my yield was high at 7 ounces for this single plant. Other strains have produced more dense buds in the tent, and now that you mention it, they were more Indica dominant.

Also, the reason I joined AFN was to learn a bit more about auto flower growing, and with that said, I have Northern Lights - A seeds to try as my first auto. My understanding is this strain is almost pure Indica (95%), so I should naturally see a more dense bud IF my system is functioning effectively. This grow should be a report card for my environmental effectiveness if I evaluate bud density.

Thank you sir, I learned something new today!

 

[STILLSMOKIN]

I've found density on sativas to come with time. Also same for indicas also. Wait until the buds are getting nobby.