misinformation

[Zandor]

Boy I thought this was settled a long time ago.

[bluehue]

lot's of great points--looking at my first post, I sort of came across as a knowitall--didn't mean to but I thought that this was outdated information (not subversive misinformation ).

garden knowm--agreed, and the older lower fan leaves are the least productive too. In a sea of green I can see how it has application like you described above.

harddon--nice to see that fat ass plant made it throgh surgery

Herbus: hey I can't argue with something that you know works for you, but I have to respectfully disagree with this quote:
"The theory is that fan leaves are only for shading and keeping the plants cool under hot natural sunlight. Since the majority of folks out here are growing indoors these shading fan leaves are not needed."

Fan leaves are as you suggest later also food providers, and as importantly, they aid in photosynthesis, they regulate the metabolic rate of the plant, they transpire water, and yes to a smaller degree provide shelter and protection.

Personally, IMHO the buds that are "underdeveloped/light/fluffy etc. that are hidden underneath those big shade leaves are so because of where they are located on the plant as much as anything else. I never get near the bud production from the lower few branches--and I tie down so that all branches on the plant are equally exposed. But take one of your main branches and tie it down so that it is under the canopy and it will still produce a good dense bud.

I'm not saying that sun on the budsites is useless (light to all portions of the plant is good)...in fact I took the time to tuck and paperclip a lot of the fan leaves on this last grow to see if it would help (though I think it was kinda of a make-work project), but as for trimming I believe the negatives far outweigh the positives of in my opinion.

And hey if I'm wrong, then please feel free to pop my cherry.

cheers all

[Herbus]

You need to remember Bluehue that most folks out here are not using Nitrogen when there plants are on 12/12. You make a good point - but photosynthesis happens at a much slower rate with no nitrogen present. Many of the fan leaves are rendered useless anyways. For the most part I agree with you though.

BTW I use some nitrogen right up until the end. Most all of my fan leaves remain somewhat green right up until harvest. good thread though I'm pretty new here and was not privy to past discussions on this subject.

Herbus

[Garden Knowm]

blue hue - you sound like you could be a keeper
: )