Overcoming challenges in Cannabis sativa breeding research with conventional and biotechnological tools

Cannabis sativa is a popular species known for its use in medical, recreational, and industrial purposes, but genetic and biotechnological research on this plant is still lacking due to historical and ongoing prohibition across the globe. The general goal of the research conducted during my PhD is to overcome challenges in C. sativa breeding research integrating conventional and new biotechnological methods. Firstly, we focused on deciphering the geographical origin of cannabis varieties, using SSR genomic markers and by the sequencing chloroplast markers. This data helped us to statistically discriminate different cannabis varieties and identify maternal genetic backgrounds. These results will contribute to authentication, and improvement of breeding programs for C. sativa. Furthermore, we investigated flower development and sex determination in C. sativa by transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. Flower development experiments were conducted, and sex reversion protocols were tested by inducing the production of pollen in genetically female plants with chemical treatments. Together, these data will provide important tools not only to the scientific community but also to producers and consumers for the future of cannabis breeding.