Scientists Discovers Gene Which Increases Cannabis Production
Scientists have discovered the gene which controls flower production and grain yield in cannabis plants.
Cannabinoids, the highly prized compound, is primarily found in female inflorescences (the flower head which includes the stems, stalks and bracts). Scientists from China have managed to isolate the genetic mechanism which could potentially allow us to manipulate the plant’s output.
The gene dubbed ‘CsMIKC1’ is a recent discovery by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and other institutions and published on June 12, 2024 in Horticulture Research.
Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and multiple cloned specimens, the researchers were able to observe how different mutations affected the cannabis plant’s flower and grain production. Plants which were observed with increased flowers per branch and grain yield contained large amounts of proteins and substances. And this was how the overexpression was narrowed down to the CsMIKC1 gene.
A billion dollar discovery
Cannabis is illegal in most countries for its psychoactive effects, but it wasn’t always vilified. It is believed that the use of cannabis originated in central Asia or western China. The earliest documented recordings date back to 2800 BC where it was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia. Similar recordings of cannabis’ therapeutic qualities exist in Indian Hindu, Assyrians, Greek and Roman text.
Up until the 21st century there was intense interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, considered a pioneer in cannabis research successfully used cannabis to bring pain relief and quell muscle spasms associated with conditions like tetanus and rabies.
Today the global medical cannabis market is estimated to be valued at $3.5 billion and predicted to grow to $20.2 billion by 2025. In the United States, the cannabis industry generates about $350 million in taxes yearly and generates over 30,000 jobs.
The knowledge to genetically map cannabis networks has a far reaching impact that will go beyond horticulture and medicine.
“The identification of CsMIKC1 as a regulator of inflorescence development marks a significant step forward in Cannabis genetics. This gene is crucial in determining flower yield, which has profound implications for both medicinal and industrial uses. By utilizing genetic modification techniques, we can develop targeted approaches to optimize crop performance, enhancing the Cannabis industry’s potential. This research not only deepens our understanding but also opens up exciting possibilities for developing high-yielding strains.” said co-author Dr. Jianguang Su.
