Understanding Cannabidiol Variations and Genetic Diversity in Industrial Hemp

Jenn Hoskins
16th May, 2024

Understanding Cannabidiol Variations and Genetic Diversity in Industrial Hemp

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study focused on 43 industrial hemp plants from Turkey, examining their CBD content and genetic diversity
  • Female hemp flowers had the highest CBD content, with Turkish landraces showing levels from 0.55% to 8.05%
  • Genetic analysis revealed significant diversity within Turkish hemp, highlighting its potential for breeding high-CBD strains
Cannabis sativa, commonly known as hemp, has been a crucial plant across various industries, especially for its therapeutic compound, Cannabidiol (CBD). A recent study by Yozgat Bozok University[1] delved into the cannabinoid variability and genetic diversity within 43 industrial hemp individuals, primarily from Turkey. The study aimed to uncover the genetic potential of these plants, particularly focusing on CBD content across different plant parts and growth stages. The research found that female inflorescences (flower clusters) showed significant CBD content, with Turkish landraces exhibiting the highest levels, ranging from 0.55% to 8.05%, and an average of 3.26%. This makes Turkish hemp a valuable genetic resource for high-CBD strains. Genetic analysis revealed distinct populations based on gender and geographical origin, with a significant portion of genetic variation (92%) observed within populations. This indicates a rich source of novel allelic diversity within the Turkish gene pool. The study's findings are significant for several reasons. Firstly, the high CBD content in Turkish hemp suggests these plants could be pivotal in breeding programs aimed at producing high-CBD varieties. Secondly, the genetic diversity observed, particularly in Turkish females, underscores the potential for discovering new genetic traits that could enhance breeding strategies and conservation efforts. Previous research has shown the importance of genetic diversity and structure in plant breeding. For instance, a study on durum wheat from the Central Fertile Crescent[2] highlighted the genetic mixing between Turkish and Syrian landraces, which resulted from farmers' unconscious selection and the lack of commercial varieties. This mixing led to a rich genetic structure that could be exploited in genomic and breeding programs. Similarly, the genetic diversity in Turkish hemp can be leveraged to develop superior hemp varieties with desired traits such as high CBD content. Another study on Cannabis sativa[3] developed a panel of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to genotype high-breeding-value hemp lines. This research identified genetic groups based on sexual behaviors and geographical origins, providing tools for genetic characterization and conservation. The current study aligns with these findings by using genetic markers to reveal gender-specific differences and historical connections among diverse hemp populations. The methods used in the Yozgat Bozok University study included Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), which showed that most genetic variation occurred within populations. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) unveiled gender-specific genetic differences, while admixture clusters provided insights into genetic interactions and historical connections. The Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Averaging (UPGMA) highlighted unique genetic profiles and distinct lineages. Additionally, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a highly significant male-specific genetic marker that explained 50% of the phenotypic variation. These methods are crucial for understanding the genetic landscape of hemp. For example, TASSEL software[4] is often used in such studies to control for population and family structure, calculate linkage disequilibrium statistics, and integrate phenotypic and genotypic data. These tools help researchers interpret complex genetic data and make informed decisions in breeding programs. In summary, the study by Yozgat Bozok University provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and CBD variability in Turkish hemp. The findings highlight the potential of Turkish hemp as a genetic resource for high-CBD strains and offer essential tools for future breeding strategies, conservation efforts, and cultivar development. By building on previous research[2][3], this study contributes to a deeper understanding of hemp genetics and its applications in various industries.

GeneticsBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Exploring cannabidiol variations, investigation of genetic diversity, population structure and unveiling male-specific genetic marker in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Published 15th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02015-1

Related Studies

2) A Whole Genome DArTseq and SNP Analysis for Genetic Diversity Assessment in Durum Wheat from Central Fertile Crescent.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167821

3) Developing and Testing Molecular Markers in Cannabis sativa (Hemp) for Their Use in Variety and Dioecy Assessments.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102174

4) TASSEL: software for association mapping of complex traits in diverse samples.

Journal: Bioinformatics (Oxford, England), Issue: Vol 23, Issue 19, Oct 2007


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