Applying in vitro flowering systems to increase the efficiency of cultivar selection and propagation in cannabis

Since legalization, cannabis has become a multibillion dollar industry and is now one of our most economically important crops in Canada. A unique aspect of the cannabis industry is that the market demands are continually evolving and there is a constant need for new cultivars with unique chemical and flavour profiles. This is an expensive and time-consuming process, but will play an important role in the long-term success of Canadian cannabis producers. The objective of this research program is to develop new methods to refine the selection process and to bring new genetics to market quicker. Both of these objectives will be achieved by exploiting in vitro flowering, first as a pre-screen for cultivar development, then as a more efficient propagation system to rapidly multiply elite genetics. Ultimately, this will reduce the cost of genetic improvement and help bring them to market quicker and cheaper, providing a competitive advantage.

Faculty Supervisor:

Max Jones

Student:

Partner:

ArtisCannabis Ltd.;Entourage

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

University of Guelph

Program: