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Assessing Genetic Diversity in Cannabis sativa Using Molecular Approaches

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Cannabis sativa L. - Botany and Biotechnology

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. represents plants cultivated for their psychoactive and medicinal properties (marijuana) or as a source of fibre, seed and oil (hemp). Breeding and selection efforts have produced marijuana genotypes (strains) with a range of levels of the cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, e.g. cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Hemp lines have been bred for high fibre content and seed production and have low/no THCA. There are currently hundreds of marijuana strains which differ in THCA:CBDA ratios, growth characteristics, morphological features, THCA and CBDA contents, disease resistance, as well as overall medicinal value. The extent of genetic diversity among these marijuana strains, as well as between marijuana and hemp, has been studied using a range of molecular approaches. The results from these studies have demonstrated that considerable genetic diversity exists among marijuana as well as hemp strains. Using ISSR markers, we have shown that distinct DNA banding patterns can allow for the initial discrimination between many of the strains tested, and provide an insight into the possible genetic relationships among strains. Some strains, e.g. ‘Jack’, ‘Super Sour Skunk’, ‘Jilly Bean’, exhibited unique patterns that can be used to develop strain-specific DNA fingerprints. In addition, a number of “landraces” and strains originating from remote geographic locations, showed unique and distinct ISSR patterns and morphologies. A very high degree of genetic diversity was exhibited among the strains studied. Additional molecular studies, including DNA sequencing approaches, should provide more insight into the genetic relationships that exist within strains of a complex plant species and could augment future breeding efforts for genetic improvement of C. sativa.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for this research was provided through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Engage and Engage Plus grants, in addition to funding from the industry partner, Agrima Botanicals, Inc. We thank Philip Campbell and Bianca Rizzo for providing photographic images and the various individuals who provided access to plant materials from which DNA samples could be obtained for the research. We also thank InnoTech Alberta for providing seed of ‘Silesia’ hemp.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada

    Zamir K. Punja, Gina Rodriguez & Sarah Chen

  2. Agrima Botanicals, 260-22529 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 0T5, Canada

    Gina Rodriguez

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  1. Zamir K. Punja
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  2. Gina Rodriguez
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  3. Sarah Chen
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Correspondence to Zamir K. Punja .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Mississippi , Oxford, Mississippi, USA

    Suman Chandra

  2. School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Oxford, Mississippi, USA

    Hemant Lata

  3. School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Oxford, Mississippi, USA

    Mahmoud A. ElSohly

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Punja, Z.K., Rodriguez, G., Chen, S. (2017). Assessing Genetic Diversity in Cannabis sativa Using Molecular Approaches. In: Chandra, S., Lata, H., ElSohly, M. (eds) Cannabis sativa L. - Botany and Biotechnology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54564-6_19

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