Bract Swelling

Bract swelling refers to the enlargement of the small leaf-like structures (bracts) that surround flower clusters in cannabis. This trait is commonly observed during late flowering stages as resin glands accumulate on bract surfaces. Breeders often select for pronounced bract swelling as an indicator of flower density and potential resin production. The degree of swelling can vary significantly across strains and is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors during flowering. Documentation of bract morphology is useful for strain differentiation and phenotype selection in breeding programs.

Breeders monitor bract swelling as a visual marker during phenotype evaluation, as it frequently correlates with trichome density and cannabinoid accumulation. Selection for consistent bract development helps stabilize desirable flower structure traits across generations.