The cannabis plant, known for its psychoactive properties and industrial uses, has long intrigued scientists due to its diverse genetic makeup and environmental adaptability. In this research, the authors focus on FT-like genes, a class of genes that are integral to the regulation of flowering. These genes are sensitive to photoperiod, meaning they respond to the length of day and night, a crucial factor determining when a plant transitions from vegetative growth to flowering.

The study highlights the importance of sex-specific expression of these FT-like genes in Cannabis and hops. It is known that cannabis plants can be male or female, and this sexual dimorphism poses significant challenges for growers, particularly when it comes to the timing of flowering. The findings suggest that male and female plants express FT-like genes differently, which may shed light on why flowering occurs at different times across sexes. Male plants may flower earlier or later than females, and this knowledge could allow cultivators to optimize planting schedules and improve harvest outcomes.

Another important aspect of the research is the identification of copy-number variation (CNV) in FT-like genes. CNV refers to differences in the number of copies of a particular gene within the genome of an individual. This genetic variation can significantly impact traits such as flowering time. By analyzing the genomes of various cannabis and hop strains, the researchers found that certain strains exhibited increased copy numbers of FT-like genes, which corresponded with earlier flowering times. Such insights could aid in breeding programs aimed at developing new strains with desirable flowering characteristics.

The implications of these findings extend beyond mere academic interest; they could revolutionize practices in cannabis cultivation. By leveraging the insights gained from FT-like gene expression and copy-number variation, growers may adjust their approaches to maximize yield and quality. For instance, selecting strains with specific FT-like gene profiles could lead to synchronized flowering plants, thereby simplifying the harvesting process and improving efficiency.

Moreover, the insights from the study may have broader applications in the agricultural sector. Understanding the genetic regulation of flowering can potentially enhance crop production across various plant species, making this research relevant not just for cannabis and hops, but also for staple crops that are critical to food security. A nuanced understanding of flowering mechanisms could help scientists develop crops that can thrive in changing environmental conditions, which is increasingly vital in the face of climate change.

The research also underlines the significance of utilizing genomics in understanding plant biology. Advanced genomic tools and sequencing technologies have enabled researchers to decode complex traits like flowering time with unprecedented precision. This evolution in plant science fosters a more profound understanding of the molecular pathways involved in developmental processes, paving the way for innovations in agricultural techniques.

Researchers intent on exploring further the relationship between genetic factors and flowering time variations will find a rich landscape of inquiries stemming from this work. The emerging understanding of how FT-like genes function might lead to the identification of other genetic factors that contribute to flowering regulation, creating an intricate web of molecular interactions that dictate plant development.

As cannabis becomes increasingly accepted and legalized in various regions around the globe, the demand for reliable and high-yielding strains continues to rise. In light of this trend, the timing of flowering, which directly impacts cultivation cycles and economics, is more relevant than ever. The findings from Dowling et al. offer actionable intelligence to cultivators, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about strain selection and growing practices tailored to their specific environments.

This research underscores the disparities that exist within plant genetics and the necessity of tailored cultivation methods based on genetic profiles. Not all strains behave the same way, and understanding these variations will be key for cultivators seeking to optimize their crops for local conditions. Additionally, this research creates a foundation for future studies that could explore the interaction between environmental factors and genetics in relation to flowering time.

In conclusion, the work conducted by Dowling and colleagues promises to significantly advance our understanding of genetic factors influencing flowering time in Cannabis and hops. The dual focus on sex-specific expression and copy-number variation provides a comprehensive framework for future research, potentially leading to enhanced agricultural practices and improved crop yields. As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities of plant genetics, the implications of such research will resonate across industries, ensuring that the advancements made today contribute to sustainable practices for tomorrow.

Subject of Research: Genetic factors influencing flowering time in Cannabis and hops.

Article Title: FT-like genes in Cannabis and hops: sex specific expression and copy-number variation may explain flowering time variation.

Article References: Dowling, C.A., Michael, T.P., McCabe, P.F. et al. FT-like genes in Cannabis and hops: sex specific expression and copy-number variation may explain flowering time variation. BMC Genomics 26, 930 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-025-11975-2

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Cannabis, hops, FT-like genes, copy-number variation, flowering time, genetics, agricultural practices, crop yield, plant biology.

Cannabis, often stereotyped merely as a source of psychoactive substances, has in fact been a cornerstone of human agriculture and culture for over ten millennia. Historically valued for its robust seed oil, durable fibers, and nutritional content, this plant also produces uniquely complex chemical compounds, notably cannabinoids and terpenes. Despite its global importance, the genetic intricacies of cannabis have remained elusive. Many of these challenges stem from legal restrictions that have hindered scientific progress for decades, coupled with the plant’s biologically intricate genome. These include its dioecious nature—meaning plants are distinctly male or female—and the overwhelming presence of repetitive DNA sequences known as transposable elements, which complicate genome assembly.

This research team, leveraging long-read sequencing technologies capable of spanning thousands of base pairs at a time, overcame these obstacles by conducting the most extensive sequencing project on cannabis genomes ever attempted. This method surpasses traditional short-read sequencing, which fragments DNA into tiny pieces, making it difficult to reconstruct complex genomic regions accurately. The application of long-read sequencing at scale allowed the researchers not only to sequence with unprecedented resolution but also to achieve haplotype resolution. By fully resolving both chromosome sets inherited from the maternal and paternal plants, rather than just one, the team uncovered extraordinary genetic variation—potentially up to twenty times greater than that found in humans.

A key revelation from this comprehensive dataset was the identification of structural genomic variations and gene arrangements that elucidate the genetic basis for cannabinoid biosynthesis. While the genes directly responsible for synthesizing THC and CBD—the two primary cannabinoids—were largely conserved across the cannabis pangenome, other genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, growth regulation, and environmental defense exhibited notable variability. This suggests a reservoir of untapped genetic diversity that breeding programs could exploit to enhance crop resilience or improve the nutritional profile of hemp seed oil. Particularly intriguing was the discovery that structural variation contributes to the biosynthesis of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a rare cannabinoid garnering interest for its non-psychoactive, stimulating effects.

Furthermore, the study sheds new light on the elusive cannabis sex chromosomes, offering the first detailed view of the Y chromosome—exclusive to male plants. Prior to this, breeding largely favored feminized plants, which are genetically female and produce the desired cannabinoid-rich flowers, often induced through hormonal treatments to bypass male genetics. The revelation that male-specific genetic material encodes valuable traits hints that traditional breeding may have overlooked genetically encoded advantages intrinsic to males. Incorporating true male genomes in breeding practices could unlock novel agronomic traits, improving both yield and quality.

The study also highlighted the dynamic nature of transposable elements—mobile DNA sequences that can ‘jump’ within the genome—as carriers of cannabinoid synthase genes. Such genomic mobility likely accelerated the diversity of cannabinoid profiles observed among cannabis cultivars today, driven by an underground breeding revolution during decades of prohibition. This dispersal of cannabinoid genes across repetitive sequences underscores cannabis’s capacity for rapid chemical innovation, a trait ripe for exploitation with the newfound genomic insight.

Strategically, the research suggests a rich vein of unexplored genetic material exists in undiscovered wild cannabis relatives, especially in Asia. Comparative analysis of European and Asian genomes implies the presence of ancestral cannabis varieties with unique adaptations to their environmental niches. These wild relatives may harbor traits for stress tolerance and disease resistance, offering breeding avenues for climate-resilient cannabis crops. Such genetic introgressions could significantly expand the agronomic versatility of cannabis.

The implications of this comprehensive pangenomic resource extend beyond mere academic curiosity. From a practical perspective, it equips breeders and biotechnologists with high-resolution maps to guide selection of desirable traits—ranging from fiber strength and seed oil quality to therapeutic compound production. The research team envisions this dataset accelerating improvements in medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp alike, catalyzing advances in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The study’s collaborative nature, involving institutes such as Oregon State University, Oregon CBD, and the HudsonAlpha Institute, exemplifies the broad interdisciplinary effort required for such a milestone.

Plant scientist Todd Michael, the senior author and a prominent figure in cannabis genomics, contextualizes this research as a turning point. Highlighting how legal constraints inadvertently induced clandestine breeding innovations, he emphasizes that modern genetic tools, exemplified by this study, now enable systematic, evidence-based improvement of cannabis. Unlocking cannabis’s full genetic potential stands to disrupt markets for fiber, seed oil, and medicine, potentially rivaling staple crops in economic impact.

Equally important is the study’s role in clarifying cannabis’s evolutionary origins and domestication patterns via a wild mosaic genetic landscape. Unlike previous fragmented efforts, this pangenome approach paints a holistic picture of cannabis diversity, marking an evolution beyond focusing on single reference genomes. This change in perspective allows scientists to appreciate the species as a genomic ecosystem shaped by millennia of natural and artificial selection.

Another remarkable outcome is the elucidation of selective pressures acting on cannabinoid synthase genes THCAS and CBDAS. These genes, essential to the biosynthesis of psychoactive and therapeutic cannabinoids respectively, display signatures of human-driven adaptation, reflecting breeding preferences for cannabinoid content. Understanding these patterns equips breeders with genetic markers to enhance or modulate cannabinoid profiles more efficiently, opening doors to precision breeding and synthetic biology applications.

The cannabis pangenome informs potential future directions beyond human health and agriculture. Possibilities include bioengineering cannabis-derived compounds as sustainable alternatives to conventional industrial materials and fuels. Given cannabis’s capacity to produce diverse metabolites in significant quantities, selective breeding informed by this genomic resource could optimize biochemical pathways for industrial biosynthesis, contributing to green chemistry innovations.

In conclusion, this landmark study does not merely catalog cannabis’s genetic repertoire; it redefines the possibilities for harnessing its biochemical and agronomic potential. By delivering an unprecedentedly detailed genetic blueprint, the Salk Institute and collaborators empower a new era of cannabis science. This resource heralds transformative innovation across multiple sectors, including medicine, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnology, evidencing how genetic insight can unlock the latent power of an ancient yet modern crop.

Subject of Research: Comprehensive genomic analysis and pangenome construction of Cannabis sativa, revealing genetic diversity, sex chromosome structure, and cannabinoid biosynthesis genetics.

Article Title: Domesticated cannabinoid synthases amid a wild mosaic cannabis pangenome

News Publication Date: 28-May-2025

Web References:

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09065-0
• http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09065-0

References:
Michael, T. et al. Domesticated cannabinoid synthases amid a wild mosaic cannabis pangenome. Nature (2025).

Image Credits: Salk Institute

Keywords: Life sciences, Plant sciences, Plant genetics, Plant evolution, Plant gene expression, Plant genes, Plant genomes, Plants, Cannabis, Crop domestication, Plant breeding