Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Motorbreath Automatic
Motorbreath Automatic is Zamnesia’s auto-flowering take on the notorious gas-forward Motorbreath line, distilled into a compact, fast, and high-impact plant. It blends ruderalis, indica, and sativa traits to create a strain that finishes quickly without sacrificing potency or flavor density. For growers who want heavy fuel terpenes with a straightforward schedule, it offers a compelling balance of speed, yield, and resin output.
As an autoflower, Motorbreath Automatic transitions from seed to harvest on a fixed timeline, typically independent of photoperiod. This trait increases reliability for small spaces and short seasons, while appealing to novices who prefer a simplified light cycle. In the jar, it aims for the same diesel-kush personality that made the original Motorbreath a staple among modern gas enthusiasts.
The strain’s appeal extends beyond grow rooms and into connoisseur markets focused on solventless extracts and loud, OG-like profiles. Its vegetative vigor and stout structure lend themselves to single-plant training in tents. The result is a plant built for dense, frosty flowers that come online in weeks, not months.
Breeding History and Context
Zamnesia bred Motorbreath Automatic by crossing a Motorbreath-derived photoperiod with an auto-flowering donor, then stabilizing across generations to lock the ruderalis day-neutral trait. The brand’s autos typically target a fast seed-to-harvest schedule with modern potency metrics, and Motorbreath Automatic follows suit. While counts vary by phenotype, growers generally report finishes within 9–11 weeks from sprout under optimized indoor conditions.
The Motorbreath family traces back to Chemdog- and OG-leaning ancestry, which explains the repeatable gasoline, solvent, and earthy pine aromas. These building blocks have influenced a wave of newer crosses; for example, Gator Breath leverages a Motor Breath x Triangle Kush pedigree, underscoring the line’s breeding value in the gas-forward space. Leafly’s coverage of modern crosses like Gator Breath illustrates how Motorbreath genetics continue to seed new cultivars with intense fuel character.
The broader market context also matters: auto-flowering genetics saw major momentum around 2020 as breeders delivered faster, stronger autos without the historical potency penalties. Leafly’s “best new strains to grow in 2020” coverage captured that inflection point, validating autos as a high-performance option. Zamnesia’s decision to render Motorbreath into an auto aligns with that trend, offering the fuel-chasers a rapid-cycle choice.
Finally, the use of ruderalis to trigger auto-flowering often involves a donor line with undocumented or generic “unknown” entries in public genealogies. Seedfinder and similar databases frequently catalogue such inputs under umbrella labels, reflecting how many auto donors are composite or proprietary. This is common industry practice and does not diminish the stability of the resulting day-neutral trait when properly selected and backcrossed.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Motorbreath Automatic’s declared heritage is ruderalis/indica/sativa, echoing its auto-flowering framework layered over a hybridized Chem- and OG-influenced core. While specific parent clone IDs may be proprietary, the aromatic signature strongly implies Motorbreath’s hallmark Chemdog D and SFV OG ancestry in its background. The addition of ruderalis supplies day-neutral flowering and compresses the lifecycle without significantly diluting potency when modern selections are used.
Inheritance-wise, growers can expect indica-leaning morphology—short internodes, sturdy lateral branches, and thick bracts—combined with sativa-derived resin expression that aids in terpene clarity. Ruderalis tends to temper height and shorten the vegetative window, with most phenotypes initiating preflowers by week 3–4 from germination. This combination yields compact plants that nevertheless stack dense, fuel-laden colas.
The lineage also hints at elevated tolerance for stress training compared to lanky sativa autos, provided it is applied early. Chem- and OG-coded plants often respond well to low-stress training and gentle topping if performed before the autoflower switch. That flexibility supports optimizing canopy shape in tight spaces while protecting resin quality.
Appearance and Morphology
Motorbreath Automatic typically presents as a medium-height plant, often finishing between 70–110 cm indoors and 90–130 cm outdoors in temperate climates. It develops a strong central leader with 4–6 productive satellite branches that form uniform secondary colas. Internodal spacing is tight to moderate, favoring dense cluster formation and good calyx-to-leaf ratios for easy trimming.
Leaves are broad with a slightly glossy sheen, reflecting indica influence; late in flower, darker green hues may emerge, sometimes with subtle anthocyanins in cooler night temperatures. Mature flowers are compact, resin-heavy, and often display lime to forest-green bracts with burnt-orange pistils. Trichome coverage is abundant, forming a frosty mantle that signals strong resin production suitable for ice water hash and dry sift.
By week 7–9 from sprout, the plant typically shifts fully into bulking, with noticeable calyx swelling and pistil browning. Under high-intensity LED (e.g., 700–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in late flower), colas can become visibly stacked and weighty. Final structure is solid enough to warrant staking or netting to prevent mid-branch lodging.
Aroma and Terpene-Derived Bouquet
The bouquet is signature Motorbreath: diesel, petrol, and solvent notes framed by rubber, earth, and pine. Limonene and beta-caryophyllene often lead, with myrcene and humulene providing herbal, woody undercurrents. Many phenotypes throw a faint lemon cleaner or grapefruit zest top-note over a deep OG funk.
In a sealed jar, the aroma can read as sharp and industrial, almost marker-pen pungent, before exhaling into damp soil and pepper. Breaking a bud releases a heavier diesel blast, sometimes with a varnish-like edge common to Chem descents. As the flowers cure for 14–28 days, the aroma becomes rounder, less astringent, and more cohesive, revealing subtle sweetness.
Compared to sweeter dessert hybrids, the nose leans savory and assertive, which connoisseurs prize for its old-school authenticity. The volatile profile skews toward monoterpenes early in cure, while sesquiterpenes emerge with time, stabilizing the profile. Terpene preservation benefits from lower drying temperatures (16–20°C) and elevated relative humidity (55–62%) to prevent volatilization.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Characteristics
On inhalation, the first impression is high-octane diesel layered with lemon rind and pine sap. Mid-palate, an earthy, peppery depth suggests beta-caryophyllene and humulene working alongside OG-like resin. The finish trends savory with lingering fuel and a faint skunk, leaving a mouth-coating oiliness.
Combustion is smooth when properly cured, with white to light-gray ash indicating full mineral use and thorough dry/cure. Vaporization at 175–190°C accentuates citrus and herbal notes while muting the heavier solvent character. At higher temps (200–210°C), pepper and diesel intensify and minor terpenes like ocimene come forward briefly.
For extracts, the flavor translates exceptionally in hydrocarbon and rosin formats due to the dense resin heads typical of Chem/OG hybrids. Expect a loud nose on the dab tool and a lingering diesel aftertaste that persists across multiple pulls. Solventless processors often favor 73–149 µm bags to target the most flavorful fraction.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Autoflowering cultivars have closed the potency gap with photoperiod strains in recent years, and Motorbreath Automatic sits within that modern curve. Based on contemporary auto benchmarks, indoor flower potency commonly measures 18–24% total THC under optimized conditions, with exceptional phenotypes occasionally testing higher. THCa is the dominant cannabinoid in raw flower, decarboxylating to THC during consumption.
CBD content is typically minimal, often below 1%, meaning the psychoactive experience is driven chiefly by THC and terpene synergy. Minor cannabinoids like CBG can appear in the 0.2–1.0% range in some phenotypes, while CBC and THCV are usually trace. These ranges align with the Chem/OG family norms known for high THC and low CBD expressions.
It is instructive to compare flower to concentrates when discussing potency and terp saturation. For instance, Leafly highlighted a Tropical Beltz extract at 78.4% THC with 10% total terpenes, illustrating how processed formats can dramatically concentrate both cannabinoids and aroma. While dried flower rarely exceeds 3–5% total terpenes, careful cultivation and curing can push Motorbreath Automatic toward the upper end of that range.
Detailed Terpene Profile and Ratios
While terpene output varies by environment and phenotype, the bouquet typically centers on a limonene–caryophyllene axis with myrcene, humulene, and pinene support. In well-grown indoor flower, total terpene content often lands around 1.5–3.5% by weight, with standout batches crossing 4% under ideal drying and storage. Limonene can appear in the 0.4–1.0% band, delivering citrus brightness atop the diesel base.
Beta-caryophyllene commonly ranges 0.3–0.9%, contributing peppery spice and potential CB2 receptor activity. Myrcene may register 0.3–0.8%, lending earthiness and contributing to the strain’s overall heaviness. Humulene and alpha-pinene together can span 0.2–0.6%, providing woody, piney edges and a perceived clearing effect.
Secondary constituents like linalool, ocimene, and terpinolene are usually present at lower levels (<0.2% each), but can subtly modulate the overall aroma. The resulting ratio often reads as limonene:caryophyllene:myrcene in a roughly 3:2:2 to 2:2:2 distribution, shifting with cure length. Longer cures may reduce monoterpene dominance slightly, yielding a rounder, warmer nose dominated by sesquiterpenes.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Users commonly describe a rapid-onset head change followed by a gradual, full-body melt consistent with high-THC, Chem/OG-descended hybrids. The first 10–15 minutes can feel elevating and focused, with a subtle rush behind the eyes and a sense of pressure release at the temples. Over the next 30–60 minutes, the body effect deepens into muscle relaxation and a tranquil, weighted calm.
Terpene synergy matters: limonene can enhance mood and perceived motivation, while caryophyllene contributes grounding, warm-spice undertones. Myrcene and humulene tend to pull the effect toward the body, making evening sessions especially satisfying. Many report appetite stimulation and a gentle sedation arc that pairs well with late-day decompression.
Relative to dessert strains, the psychoactive arc skews less euphoric-silly and more functional-calm at moderate doses. At higher doses, couchlock becomes more likely, especially in low-stimulus environments. Given the potency, new users should start with small inhalations or lower temp vaporizer settings and wait 10–15 minutes to gauge response.
Potential Medical Applications
The Motorbreath family’s profile aligns with common symptom relief targets, though responses vary and medical use should be discussed with a clinician. High THC with caryophyllene and myrcene support may assist with short-term relief from stress and anxious rumination when used at conservative doses. The body-heavy arc could also help with transient muscle tension and minor aches after exertion.
Some users report appetite stimulation, which could be beneficial in situations of reduced appetite. The limonene component may bolster mood, complementing the strain’s general calming character. Sedation potential increases with dose, which some find helpful for sleep initiation, particularly when sleep latency is linked to mental overactivity.
From a data perspective, flower lacking significant CBD is less suited for users seeking balanced THC:CBD ratios. Minor cannabinoids like CBG may contribute subtle anti-inflammatory properties, but their levels are typically below 1%. Consistent, low-dose protocols are recommended for medical users to identify the minimal effective dose and reduce side effect risks.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors
Motorbreath Automatic thrives under steady, moderate-to-high light intensity and tight environmental control. Aim for 20/4 or 18/6 light schedules from seed to harvest, targeting 450–650 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in early veg and 750–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in late flower. A daily light integral of 35–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ supports high yields without unnecessary stress.
Maintain temperatures of 24–26°C in veg and 22–25°C in flower, with nighttime drops of 2–3°C to preserve terpene integrity. Keep VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in late flower to minimize mold pressure while sustaining transpiration. Relative humidity should sit at 55–65% in veg and 45–55% in flower, dipping to 40–45% in the last two weeks.
Auto schedules compress the vegetative window, so establish your final container early—7–11 L pots are common indoors, with 15 L for larger tents. Start with a buffered, airy medium such as a 70/30 coco-perlite mix or a well-amended soil with 25–35% perlite. Provide gentle, early feeding and increase EC gradually; target 1.2–1.5 mS/cm in mid-veg and 1.7–2.0 mS/cm in peak flower, with runoff EC checks weekly.
Low-stress training within days 10–21 creates an even canopy; avoid aggressive topping after day 21 to prevent growth stalls. A single soft top or FIM at node 3–4 can work if executed by day 14–18 on vigorous phenotypes. Use a light scrog net or plant yoyos by week 6–7 from sprout to support bulking colas.
IPM is essential: introduce sticky cards on day 1 and deploy preventative biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for fungus gnat larvae if needed. Maintain clean intakes and HEPA pre-filters to reduce spore loads. Finish with a 10–14 day clean water or low-EC feed to encourage smooth combustion and bright flavor post-cure.
Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, Motorbreath Automatic excels in latitudes with at least 10–12 weeks of reliably warm weather. Seed-to-harvest typically runs 9–11 weeks, enabling multiple staggered runs per season in Mediterranean climates. Place plants in 20–30 L fabric pots or raised beds with well-draining soil and 5–10% biochar to buffer nutrients and improve porosity.
Target 6–8 hours of direct sun for robust cannabinoid and terpene development; DLI above 30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ is ideal. Use living mulch or straw to regulate soil temps and conserve moisture, especially during heat waves. Maintain consistent irrigation with 10–15% runoff to prevent salt accumulation in container grows.
In greenhouses, roll-up sides or active exhaust are vital for keeping VPD within range and preventing Botrytis in late flower. A sulfur burner during veg (never in flower) can keep powdery mildew pressure down in humid zones. In areas with heavy dew or rainfall, prioritize high airflow, gentle defoliation around dense sites, and morning shake-downs to remove moisture.
Cultivation Guide: Feeding, Training, and IPM
Begin with a calcium-rich base and ensure adequate magnesium, as LED-lit grows often reveal Mg deficiency first. In coco, consider a 2:1 Ca:Mg ratio at 80–120 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg early, rising modestly in flower. Nitrogen should be robust in weeks 1–4, then taper as phosphorus and potassium rise during bloom initiation and bulking.
A practical nutrient curve for many autos is N-P-K of roughly 2-1-2 in early veg, 1-2-2 at flower initiation, and 1-3-3 during peak bloom. Silica at 50–100 ppm strengthens cell walls and helps prevent stem lodging in heavy colas. Avoid heavy defoliation; instead, remove only shaded, low-value growth and a few large fan leaves to improve airflow.
Pest management should emphasize prevention. Scout twice weekly for mites, thrips, and aphids; predator mites (Amblyseius swirskii, A. andersoni) can be introduced proactively. Soil drenches with Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma can help suppress root pathogens, while neem or plant-based oils are best reserved for veg-only applications.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing is best judged by a mix of trichome color and terpene intensity. For a balanced experience, look for 5–15% amber trichomes with the rest cloudy, which often occurs around days 65–77 from sprout in dialed-in rooms. Pistil color alone is not a reliable indicator; always cross-check with a loupe.
Dry at 16–20°C and 55–60% relative humidity for 7–12 days, aiming for a gentle slow-dry that preserves monoterpenes. Buds are ready for jar when small stems snap and large stems bend without stringiness. Cure in airtight containers, burping daily for the first week, then weekly thereafter.
Track jar humidity with mini hygrometers and target 58–62% equilibrium RH for the first month. Flavor typically opens up around days 10–21 of cure, with solventy edges rounding into diesel-pine complexity. Properly cured flower can maintain peak aroma for 8–12 weeks with minimal degradation if stored cool and dark.
Yield Expectations and Optimization
Indoor growers can expect 350–500 g/m² under efficient LEDs when environmental targets are met, with advanced training and high-PPFD environments occasionally exceeding that. Single-plant yields in 11–15 L pots commonly fall in the 60–120 g range, depending on phenotype vigor and canopy management. Outdoors, 70–150 g per plant is attainable in 20–30 L containers with full sun and good soil biology.
Key yield levers include early canopy shaping, consistent VPD, and appropriate PPFD ramping as the plant transitions to flower. Many autos respond to incremental light increases of 50–100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ per week across weeks 2–6, preventing stress while capitalizing on growth momentum. CO2 enrichment to 900–1,100 ppm during peak light hours can raise biomass by 10–20% in sealed environments if temperature and nutrition are adjusted accordingly.
Anecdotally, gentle low-stress training can add 10–25% to yield by creating more uniform light distribution across bud sites. Deficit irrigation strategies should be used cautiously with autos; steady moisture levels typically perform better than aggressive dry-backs. Avoid overfeeding late—excess EC can suppress terpene expression and add harshness to the smoke.
Comparisons, Context, and Naming Notes
It is easy to confuse “Breath” strains because of overlapping names and family trees. Leafly’s top-100 reference to Mendo Breath highlights a different, dessert-leaning indica with heavy body effects—a distinct lane from the diesel-charged Motorbreath profile. Motorbreath Automatic aligns more with Chem/OG expressions than with sweet cookie-caramel notes typical of Mendo Breath and its descendants.
Motorbreath’s influence is evident in modern hybrids like Gator Breath, which pairs Motor Breath with Triangle Kush to intensify fuel and kush spice. This speaks to Motorbreath’s utility as a terpene driver in breeding programs targeting gas, rubber, and sharp OG aromatics. The automatic version packages those traits into a faster, smaller, and more accessible format for home cultivators.
Lineage charts sometimes record ruderalis donors as unknown or under umbrella entries, as seen in genealogy databases that catalog “Unknown” contributions from original or composite lines. This is not unusual; many auto programs rely on stabilized but proprietary ruderalis sources. What matters to growers is the stability of the day-neutral trait and the retention of Motorbreath’s hallmark aroma.
Sourcing, Testing, and Data Considerations
Because cannabinoid and terpene outputs are phenotype- and environment-dependent, lab results will vary between grows and regions. Typical autos today test within 18–24% THC for well-grown indoor flower, which aligns with field reports and the broader shift in auto performance since circa 2020. Dried flower terpene content around 1.5–3.5% is a realistic target, with 4%+ representing an excellent run.
Concentrates provide a useful benchmark for what is chemically possible when biomass is refined. Leafly’s coverage of products reaching 78.4% THC with 10% terpenes underscores the contrast between flower and extract totals—numbers that help calibrate expectations. For home growers, the key is maximizing aroma by optimizing dry/cure, as that has as much impact as any feeding regime.
When evaluating seed lines, focus on breeder transparency, germination rates, and customer grow logs. For Motorbreath Automatic, look for multi-run reports noting consistency in height, timing, and aroma to ensure you’re getting the intended fuel-forward expression. Always consider local testing limits and compliance frameworks if you plan to submit samples.
Conclusion and Grower Takeaways
Motorbreath Automatic delivers the diesel-first personality of its namesake in an efficient, day-neutral package. Expect a 9–11 week seed-to-harvest window, medium height, and dense, resinous flowers that reward careful environment control. Potency aligns with modern autos, and the flavor is authentically gas-forward with lemon, earth, and pepper.
For best results, emphasize early canopy training, tight VPD, and a disciplined dry/cure. Indoors, aim for 750–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD late in flower, moderate EC, and a 10–14 day finish with low-EC feed to sharpen the burn. Outdoors and greenhouses benefit from full sun, high airflow, and proactive IPM to safeguard dense colas in the final two weeks.
In the larger context, Motorbreath’s footprint within modern breeding—evident in crosses like Gator Breath—validates the appeal of its fuel-driven terpene stack. The automatic version extends that appeal to growers seeking speed and simplicity without sacrificing intensity. For anyone chasing old-school gas in a new-school timeline, Motorbreath Automatic is a standout candidate.
