After the first selection rounds of our Lemon Cherry Cookies Auto, 96 plants remain. This is not a final number, additional selection steps will still take place before defining the final group of mother plants.

The video shows part of the selection process.
Several specimens are being removed, even though many of them would still be considered “good” by most standards. In population based breeding, selection is always relative. Only the most consistent, vigorous individuals move forward.

This step is not about maximizing numbers.
It is about reducing variability, increasing consistency, and eliminating weaknesses early. Discarding plants is a natural and necessary part of building a stable line.