FFT3 Clone 2020 (I)

This is a FastBuds 420 photoperiod tester, FFT3, a regular clone that I took. I sort of rushed the early life in terms of transplanting and enacting plans. However, nearing pre-flower readiness and stretch, this plant took off. I was quite surprised how much stretch I got under HPS, but also just in general compared to another Fastbuds tester I had going. Just as I was about to see major growth and trichome development ... the mites exploded. This outbreak is documented on other grows, and these two plants were collateral damage. Its amazing to see that in two weeks the infestation moved and overtook FFT3, visible mites and cobwebs everywhere. Just as it was about to bulk up, already limited with how little leaf matter I gave, the mites shredded the leaves and that was it. I eventually received my ordered ladybugs which tackled some of the population. I then left FFT3 outside in the Canadian Maritime summer climate to clear out the remaining. Not an ideal finish but it better allowed me to clean up and salvage. I budwashed more than usual, detailed below, and did get product. More than other mited plants, FFT3 was stringy, brittle, and not much bud or bag appeal. Compared to the seed iteration, less trichomes because of mite activity. Overall, it suffered. I had another tester salvage this incident with much better quality. With cobwebbing and then budwashing you lose and scrub some outside flavour, usually the highly aromatic. Its clear FFT3’s selling point is the citrus, but if this is tainted there isn’t much else behind the strain. I got the faint citrus aroma, but upon grinding and vaping the lack of smell, smell of curing, and just bad life cycle made vaping bland and fairly unenjoyable. The high is moderate, not really what I’m looking for. Sativa leaning, but not strong. I certainly liked FFT3 when I did the full grow cycle from seed, but a mite war doesn’t produce great plants. Even moreso, the genetics can’t really stand up to concussive incident damage, and the smell is delicate - easily tainted. So, this clone experience was one of my worst during the Mite Wars.