Training & Plant Architecture
Trellis, Support & Flower-Load Management
As stems elongate and flower mass increases, branches experience greater bending moments. Support systems should stabilize architecture without constricting stems, trapping wet tissue, or making inspection impossible.
Key concepts
- Branch load increases with mass and distance from the stem base
- Trellis systems redistribute support across the canopy
- Ties can damage expanding stems if they constrict tissue
- Support layout affects access, airflow, and harvest workflow
What to measure or observe
- Inspect branch angles and bending under increasing load
- Check ties and net contact points
- Map areas where flowers are compressed together
- Record breakage or support failures
Common mistakes
- Using thin constricting ties
- Waiting for branch failure before adding support
- Packing flowers against one another with the net
- Installing support that prevents scouting
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Branch bending-moment concept
- Trellis support layout
- Safe tie versus constriction
- Compressed-flower microclimate warning