Clone Preservation

Clone preservation refers to the horticultural practice of maintaining plant genetics through vegetative propagation rather than seed reproduction. In cannabis breeding, this involves taking cuttings from a mother plant and rooting them to create genetically identical copies. Breeders and cultivators use cloning to stabilize desirable trait combinations, maintain consistent phenotypes across growing cycles, and preserve rare or historically significant genetics. The technique allows breeders to work with known genotypes without genetic segregation, making it foundational to modern cannabis horticulture. Cloning requires careful attention to hygiene, rooting medium, and environmental conditions to ensure viability.

Breeders rely on cloning to lock in specific phenotypes during development, eliminate genetic drift, and maintain elite mother plants for breeding stock. This method is particularly valuable when working with rare or complex trait combinations that may not breed true from seed.