Description
Farmer Freeman 5 pack M/F Test Kit
STOP GROWING MALES.
WAITING UNTIL FLOWER TO SEX PLANTS COSTS YOU SPACE, SUPPLIES, AND EVEN ENTIRE CROPS.
Trusted by cannabis growers around the world since 2017, Farmer Freeman’s EZ-XY Plant DNA Sex Tests help growers identify whether a plant is a female (XX) or male (XY) as early as 7 days from sprout using our fully equipped DNA Lab.
COSTS OF A MALE PLANT:
- Space: Growers want to get the most out of their harvests. Males take up space that could be dedicated to flower-producing female plants.
- Counts: In many areas, growers are limited to a specific plant count, or number of plants. Males cost you the place of a female plant (and impact your overall harvest).
- Supplies: Until you know the sex of a plant, that plant is using grow supplies (soils, substrates, water, nutrients, CO2, etc.) only to be culled eventually. The sooner you know the sex, the less resources your male plants will cost you.
- Entire Crops: Surprise males can pollinate your grow, resulting in seeded buds that make for harsh smoking, and tiresome sorting, not to mention the increased allergy risk if you or the person consuming is sensitive to allergens like pollen.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
By testing the sex of your plant using DNA, you:
- Maximize your garden’s potential yields
- Cull males faster than ever
- Spend less on resources and labor
Product Details:
A single sample collection kit and lab test for XY gene detection within a cannabis or hemp plant. The collection kit will require a 1 cm. to 1 in. sample of a healthy leaf tip or similar plant tissue, or the use of a smash card for each sample.
Each Farmer Freeman EZ-XY Sample Collection Kit includes one (1) plant test.
Testing and Results are included in the Kit Price.
Each Kit includes instructions, one (1) collection envelope, one (1) coded plant stake, one (1) Testing Order Form, and one (1) Return Envelope, as well as one (1) smash card (if selected).
Sample must be mailed directly to the Farmer Freeman lab for analysis. Shipping instructions are included inside every kit.
Results sent via e-mail typically within 1-2 business days after lab receipt.
DNA “Smash” Collection Cards (Smash Cards):
Rather than submitting a leaf tip or plant tissue, smash cards may be used. Instead of testing the leaf sample directly, a piece of plant material is smashed into the paper, transferring the DNA. Smash cards are optional for USA customers but required for all international orders.
To use the smash cards, take a piece of plant material and place it on your smash card. With force, smash the material into the paper to transfer DNA from your sample. Then, scrape excess leaf or plant material off and discard.
Smash cards are not necessary for accurate XY detection, but some customers feel more comfortable shipping these transfer cards than plant material.
Note: Samples do not need to be returned all at once.
Collection kits do not expire or “go bad.”
You may return your sample and receive results whenever you are ready.
How to use a DNA Plant Sex Test:
Plant your seed as you normally would.
Once your plant has two sets of leaves (the first cotyledon and the second with serrated leaves), it is old enough to be tested.
Using your collection kit, select your plant and place the numbered plant stake in your pot.
Then, snip a small portion from one of the healthy serrated leaves (or cotyledon) and seal the sample in your envelope.
Make sure to sterilize your equipment before collecting plant samples, as well as in between samples if testing more than one plant.
Samples must be free of dirt and chemicals (i.e. take your samples before applying any foliar sprays).
Technical Details:
Farmer Freeman’s EZ-XY tests use an qPCR-based test that targets the Y-chromosome for maximum accuracy in detecting variants.
Note: DNA testing identifies true genetic males with a Y-chromosome and cannot identify hermaphroditic intersex traits expressed by genetic females (XX).
+ Taking Samples
What is considered a good sample?
Samples should be 1/2 to 1 inch of a healthy leaf. We accept samples as early as 7-10 days (cotyledons). Please do not include more than the requested amount of the sample (i.e. do not send a whole leaf or multiple leaves). Leaf samples should be dry, free of dirt, and taken before any foliar sprays have been applied. Please also remove the seed caps and stems.
Can I send in a whole leaf?
You do not need to include more than the requested amount. Samples should be 1/2 to 1 inch. Whole leaves tend to take longer to dry and therefore may cause a delay in your results.
How should I seal the samples in the envelopes?
Please do not use water, glue, tape or any other materials to seal the envelopes. The green dot sticker should be sufficient. Sample envelopes should also not be wrapped in plastic bags as they are designed to dry the sample, preventing rot and protecting the DNA for analysis.
How do I send samples using my own materials?
If you do not have kits or otherwise need to submit samples using your own materials, please contact us.
What should I do if my samples are sprayed?
Regardless of the source, chemical contamination on the leaves may negatively affect the test. To remedy this, we will typically run an alternative method that offers the same accuracy results, but takes a few extra days to process. Please clearly indicate on the sample envelopes or with a note in the package that the samples have been sprayed. You may also try collecting the leaf tip samples from new growth areas that have not been sprayed or wash the plant with distilled/pure water prior to sampling.
+ Submitting Samples
Where do I return my samples to?
Return your kits to Farmer Freeman at:
Jackson Farmer
Farmer & Freeman LLC
1415 Elliot PL NW
ANNEX BUILDING B
Washington, DC 20007
Please keep your tracking number to be able to check when your samples arrive at the lab.
What happens when my test kits never arrive?
It is important to keep your tracking information on hand at all times. However, sometimes it really is out of our hands when there are delays with our packages. We offer a few options: (1) We can send you replacement kits to be used now or later (2) You can send samples using your own labeled envelopes. If you choose this option, please make sure to include your email address for your results!
Should I ask for signature confirmation?
Please DO NOT select ‘Signature Required’ as we may not be able to sign during the time of arrival. If this is selected, results may be delayed.
Do I have to use all the test kits when I order them?
Samples do not need to be returned all at once. You may return samples and receive results in any increment you would like. All your sample numbers will be associated with the email the kits were purchased with.
+ Results
When can I get my results?
Allow 1-2 business days for testing after your samples have been received by the lab. Results will be emailed to the address used to place the order.
What does it mean when my results say ‘UNDER ANALYSIS’?
Samples marked “UNDER ANALYSIS” should be ready in the next one or two business days. If samples were sprayed with any kind of foliar nutrient or additive, it may cause issues with the results.
Do you test for Hermies?
Unfortunately the tests do not directly tell you if your samples are hermies. We have found that both male and female plants display hermie issues later during their growth cycles. That being said, knowing what to expect from your plants (e.g. 10 males, 10 females) will help you notice if things are looking off sooner than later.
+ Privacy and Security
The kits are sent in a discreet mailer (kraft envelope with no company names). If purchasing the 2-way shipping option, please know the return label will have your address on it. Payments can be made via cryptocurrency for extra security. There is no need to tell us what type of plant you are testing. We offer “smash cards” which are a specialty paper that the leaf can be smashed into, transferring the DNA if you do not wish to test actual leaf or plant tissue.
