removed leaf ears (auricles) for stronger leaves

[agil wintoko]

when I was a kid, my grandfather taught me one trick to make leaves stronger. after the topping he removes the leaf ear.

the effect leaves become thicker, when plucked the leaf stems feel more rigid, the sound of leaf plucking is louder "klak klak klak".

but I only tried it for a few trees. because I don't imagine how long will it take, if all my leaves are treated like this. maybe it's 4 or 5 times longer than when suckering.

Has anyone tried it?
what do you think about this method, could it have an effect on sugar and nicotine levels?

 

[deluxestogie]

I have never heard of doing that. Given the huge difference removal of suckers makes, I just cannot imagine that removing the auricles would make a noticeable improvement in the leaves' appearance, texture or nicotine level. I would be interested in hearing your assessment of your results.

Bob

 

[Charly]

I have never seen this either.
Hard to tell if this can make a difference on the resulting leaves, but you can always try it on a few plants and see what it does at harvesting time.

 

[agil wintoko]

this season I will try to documentation the comparison of the removing auricles and not.

from my tried, the most obvious effect is the leaf stems become more rigid and solid, the change color when pilling is also more evenly distributed to the leaf stems. in terms of taste im not felt a significant difference.

maybe this season I will try on various varieties

 

[Oldfella]

I have never heard of doing that. Given the huge difference removal of suckers makes, I just cannot imagine that removing the auricles would make a noticeable improvement in the leaves' appearance, texture or nicotine level. I would be interested in hearing your assessment of your results.

Bob

Interesting theory. I may try it on few next grow.
Cheers Oldfella

 

[FmGrowit]

I think the best way to see if it makes a difference would be to remove the "ears" from two leaves of each set of three leaves in alternating sides of one plant so as to have leaves on the north and south sides of the plant with and without "ears". If it makes a difference, you should be able to see it on one plant.

 

[Oldfella]

I think the best way to see if it makes a difference would be to remove the "ears" from two leaves of each set of three leaves in alternating sides of one plant so as to have leaves on the north and south sides of the plant with and without "ears". If it makes a difference, you should be able to see it on one plant.

Good thinking. I'll try to remember to do that. I'll put it in my calendar. Unfortunately my next season doesn't start until November. I'll maybe mark one or two of my V.G. plants as I know their habits.
I'll keep it posted and we will see what we will see.
Cheers. Oldfella

 

[deluxestogie]

By contrast, a number of years ago, I collected the green auricles that remained on the stalks of a number of varieties after priming all the leaves. It came to about 1 gallon (~4 liters), which I stuffed into a plastic bag, and kilned. Compared to the primary leaf lamina, these mixed auricles seemed to exhibit less flavor, aroma and nicotine. That is consistent with my impression that the tips of leaves are usually more intense than the bases of the leaves. My conclusion was that auricles (at least those remaining on stalks after priming) are not worth the trouble.

Bob

 

[Oldfella]

Your probably right, but it's an interesting idea. I haven't made it a top priority. If I remember I'll try it, if I don't, I guess I won't.
Cheers
Oldfella