@Russel_Richardson - it’s been suggested that keeping the plant in darkness for 2-3 days before harvest will:
- force the plant to squeeze out the most resin it can in the final days; as this is said to mainly happen at night
- force the plant to use up as much stored energy as it can; as without light it can’t photosynthesize – the rumor is that it helps to reduce the chlorophyll levels and amount of stored energy
The reasoning for them is:
- potency - stickier buds and possibly more amber trichomes
- curing - supposedly this also reduces the chlorophyll levels resulting in an easier cure and smoother smoke
There are also stories and videos of people drilling holes or piercing the bottom of the stalks with a nail or spike, to shock the plant with a bit of (serious) damage which is said to cause it to “finish up faster” (or sap more nutrients from leaves instead of roots).
I’ve been planning to try the darkness with my current grow (harvesting this week) - with the extra airstones being used I can just unplug the grobo for a few days to kill the lights.
The “ice trick” is mainly to simulate frozen ground to make the plant think winter is coming, another “hurry up” tactic.