I also think humidity plays a huge role. The longer you wait to chop, the greater role the humidity plays. It is also important during drying and curing.
In the seedling stage the plant likes more humidity (like at least 60 to 75%). As the plant matures, that number should lower to about 40% during mid to late flower and for drying.
My humidity on my last chop was at least 60% and probably higher and my top buds showed rot and mold. those top buds that did not mold turned brown during dry time. They are still potent but are not the same high as the lower green buds. It could have been much better but we had heavy rains and flooding this year and moisture got into my basement where I grow. I should have chopped earlier under the circumstances- but I was prompted time and again to wait, wait, wait. , which was correct but I was not thinking of high humidity since I never experienced it like that before.
So the moral of this grow- is to always pay attention to your RH and ventilation and temp and air flow when indoors. Cooler air holds less moisture and will give a lower RH than a warmer temp. So increasing light intensity can increase temp and therefore increase the RH. This is no good for big, fat buds which should have lower temps and lower RH.................... or you will get mold and rot..........
best regards and I know this is an old thread but it is still an important thing to consider before the freaking buttrot ruins your day..............
yo
