What Are High Stress Training Methods?

High-stress training methods take stress training to the next level. These techniques can be risky to use and could damage or destroy crops if they are not done properly. Not all strains are hearty enough to tolerate high-stress training, so running test grows on just a few plants is a good idea if you don't want to risk losing the whole crop!

High-Stress Training Methods: Supercropping

Super cropping, also called stem mutilation. In low-stress training is the stem of a plant can be tied down to circulate more growth hormones to the rest of the plant and lower branches. Supercropping is a higher risk version of tying where the main stem is bent so that the fibers break in the stem without snapping it or breaking it open. To do this, stems must be carefully bent by rolling, and then squeezing.

High-Stress Training Methods: Topping

In topping, the top primary buds are pruned in the vegetative growth phase, sending a stress shock to the plant which responds by increasing growth in lower branches. This method, termed “topping,” generally results in the formation of two new branches.

High-Stress Training Methods: Heading/FIM

An adaptation of topping, termed FIM (“F*ck I Missed”) or heading, removes ⅓ of a new stem of the top-most new growth in an aim to produce four new branches. The practice of heading (FIM) can potentially stimulate even more vigorous bushy growth and branching. This method is risky because it must be precise and it exposes plant tissue to a high risk of infection.