Debate: is the apical cola the best one?

[Barnietomato]

I'm having a friendly debate with my growing pal on wether the top (apical) cola is the best one for aroma and potency.
I prefer to maximise production with LST, ending up with more top colas, whilst he prefers to boost the single top cola going for classical xmas tree shape.
I hardly notice any difference, and I can't find any reason or fact that validates his theory. I believe that as long as the whole plant gets the right amount of light/nutrients/humidity, the end product is not going to vary between one bud and another. But maybe I'm wrong...
I'm aware of the privileges that the apical has compared with the lower branches, but I also know that this disparity can be changed in many ways (trimming, bending etc..).
So it would surprise me if there was any reason for the plant to grow a special batch just on the top.

 

[oldjarhead100]

No Title

I dont flip the switch into bloom until my girls have at least 12 or more main colas the more the merrier as long as they are at the same height they should have the same quality. good luck

 

[Barnietomato]

Exactly my philosophy jarhead!
Are you aware of any facts that prove there is no difference?
As far as I know there is no difference whatsoever (in nutrients distribution, terpenes creation, thrichomes formation and thc/cbd concentration) between a cola and the next if these have had the same amount of light...

 

[Potted]

Just that the top would rippen faster with a conical shape(closer to the light) when harvested if done in stages as each bud rippens it should be the same.If chopped down all at once than the top bud would b the ripest or the most potent. I prefer mine in the tabletop shape where all buds ar ready at the same time! Lol

 

[Jason]

In my first hydro grow, I had three plants. One I FIM'd, two I left alone to grow naturally. One of those was a runt with only one may stem. I did some minor fan leave trimming. All from clones.
The FIM'd plant produced double the bud, much of which was top quality. Lower branches were harvested 4-6 days later than the riper tops. The one plant I left alone with the apical cola did just as predicted. That one cola rocked in size and strength. The other smaller branches were OK, but not up to the same quality.
I will be FIM'ing all my plants in the future. With bottom trimming so more energy is focused on those top colas.
If you want one monster bud, go for the Christmas tree look. If you want a bunch more rockin' buds, a bit of trimming and training should get you there.
Of coarse, you do add grow time when you start with the surgery. The payback is much higher yields.

 

[Barnietomato]

Ty for your answers!
Interesting experience Jason: I guess that sums it up...
I have had negative experiences from trimming, I guess it needs good knowledge, but I'm getting great results in bending... Not as productive I suppose, but there is no risk in hurting the plant, and the buds exposed to the light benefit greatly...
Btw, most of my knowledge comes from this site, internet, and personal failures lol
So ty all