Development of triploid hemp for enhanced cannabinoid production and pollination resistance

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a globally significant natural source of cannabinoids used in health and pharmaceutical products. However, a major challenge in hemp cultivation is the risk of cross-pollination. Hemp is wind-pollinated species that produces male and female flowers on separate plants. Primarily cultivated outdoors, hemp pollen from male crops grown for fiber or grain can travel long distances and pollinate female cannabinoid producing crops. This pollination results in unwanted seed production and reduced cannabinoid yields. To address this issue, our team has developed innovative polyploidization and hybridization methods to produce triploid hemp plants. Similar to other triploid crops, these plants are expected to be infertile due to an uneven number of chromosomes, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-pollination and maximizing cannabinoid production. In this project, we will evaluate two triploid seed varieties developed by our team, testing their genetic stability, resistance to pollination, and cannabinoid yield compared to diploid and tetraploid parent varieties. Furthermore, we aim to optimize the breeding process by applying rapid cycle breeding techniques to shorten generation times. This research will deliver reliable methods for producing stable triploid hemp seeds, benefitting product quality and cannabinoid yield. These advancements will improve the quality and yield of hemp crops, benefitting cannabinoid producers both locally and worldwide.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shelley Hepworth

Student:

Partner:

Cannabis Orchards Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Carleton University

Program: