How are new cannabis strains created through breeding and selection processes? What factors do breeders consider when developing new strains?
One answer “How are new cannabis strains created?”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
How are new cannabis strains created through breeding and selection processes? What factors do breeders consider when developing new strains?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Cannabis has been used for its medicinal and recreational properties for centuries. As the popularity of this plant has grown, so too has the demand for new varieties with specific characteristics. Breeders are now using advanced techniques to create new and unique strains with a wide range of benefits and effects.
Investigative breeding and selection processes, along with advanced laboratory techniques, are being used to create new cannabis strains. Breeders are focused on blending desirable traits from both Indica and Sativa plants to create a unique strain that offers optimal attributes and effects. This process of breeding and selection is not only about creating strains with desirable traits and effects, it’s also about developing plants with superior growing characteristics.
When breeders are developing new strains, they take a number of factors into consideration. This includes the overall plant structure, leaf and flower characteristics, cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and the flavor, aroma, and effects that the strain will impart.
The most important factor when creating new cannabis strains is terpenes. These compounds are responsible for the smell and flavor of a particular strain, as well as its associated therapeutic effects. Cannabis breeders are looking for specific terpene profiles that may offer specific therapeutic or recreational benefits. For example, strains high in a terpene called “caryophyllene” are believed to offer anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antidepressant properties.
Cannabinoids are also another factor breeders take into account when developing new strains. Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are known to have various therapeutic effects. THC is the compound that produces the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is most commonly known for its calming and anxiolytic effects. Breeders may choose to focus on certain cannabinoid profiles for certain medical conditions or for recreational purposes.
The third factor breeders consider when creating new strains is the structure and characteristics of the plant itself. They look at traits such as height, branching, internodal spacing, flower size and shape, calyx orientation, and amount of trichomes, among other characteristics. Some traits may determine growth characteristics or growing difficulty, while others may be indicative of the plant’s yield or potency.
Finally, breeders may also consider the taste and smell of the strain. While this is not always a factor in the selection process, it can be an important consideration depending on the purpose of the strain. When creating strains for edible products, the taste and aroma of the plant can be an important factor in the overall experience of consuming it.
Creating new and unique cannabis strains is a complex process that requires an understanding of genetics, horticulture, and the characteristics of the plant. Breeders must consider a variety of factors when finding the perfect marriage of desirable traits to create a strain with unique effects and characteristics. With the ever-increasing demand for new and unique strains, the breeding and selection process only stands to become more precise and focused in the years to come.