Cannabis, the multibillion dollar plant that no genebank wanted

Abstract

Although cannabis is legalized and accepted as an agricultural commodity in many places around the world, a significant lack of public germplasm repositories remains an unresolved problem in the cannabis industry. The acquisition, preservation and evaluation of germplasm including landraces and ancestral populations is key to unleash the full potential of cannabis in the global marketplace. We argue here that accessible germplasm resources are crucial for long-term economic viability, preserving genetic diversity, breeding, innovation, and the long-term sustainability of the crop. We believe that cannabis restrictions require a second look to allow genebanks to play a fuller and more effective role in conservation, sustainable use, and exchange of cannabis genetic resources.

Machine Learning-Mediated Development and Optimization of Disinfection Protocol and Scarification Method for Improved In Vitro Germination of Cannabis Seeds

“…These days, interest has been focused on medicinal and recreational facets, furthering commercial expansion. With Canada recently adopting the more globally appreciated view of cannabis, there exists an ever evolving, multi-billion-dollar industry focused on vegetative propagation [2]. Despite the reliance on clonal propagation, there is a continual need to germinate seeds to select new elite genotypes, perform pheno-hunting, as well as supporting breeding programs.…”

Uncovering the Potential and Handicaps of Non-drug Hemp Cultivation in South and Southeast Asia

“…Existing cultivars that are rich in CBDs can also be used in plant breeding programs. Despite the fact that Cannabis has been legalized and approved as an agricultural crop in many countries throughout the world, there is still a lack of public Cannabis germplasm repositories [69] that can negatively affect the promotion of the crop in South and Southeast Asia.…”

Oxylipin biosynthetic gene families of Cannabis sativa

“…Originating in Asia and now grown globally [ 2 ], C . sativa is a multibillion-dollar cash crop [ 3 , 4 ] with many uses [ 5 ] including feed [ 6 ], textile [ 7 ], biofuel [ 8 ], medicine [ 9 ], and recreation [ 10 , 11 ]. The latter two of which are due to the production of biologically active metabolites, known as cannabinoids, within the cannabis trichomes [ 12 ].…”

“…For millennia, the diploid dioecious shrub Cannabis sativa, has been cultivated for its fiber, grain, and pharmacological properties [1]. Originating in Asia and now grown globally [2], C. sativa is a multibillion-dollar cash crop [3,4] with many uses [5] including feed [6], textile [7], CYCLASE (AOC) [33] converts 12,13-EOT to (+)-cis-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (12-OPDA), the first jasmonate in the pathway. LOX, AOS, and AOC are closely associated with each other and participate in substrate channeling during jasmonate biosynthesis [34].…”