How important are terpenes in the breeding process and what role do they play in the creation of new strains? Can terpene profiles be selectively bred?
One answer “The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis Breeding”
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Terpenes are organic compounds that are responsible for creating a unique aroma in each strain of cannabis. These fragrant oils are released in the bud and can be detected by smell. Terpenes contain numerous beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, as well as terpene profiles that provide a variety of flavors and aromasāfrom sweet and spicy to earthy and woody.
The terpene profile of a strain plays an important role in the breeding process by dictating the aroma, flavor, and effects of the strain. This can be used to create intentional crosses between strains to develop desired traits and improve the performance of a strain.
One way in which breeders use terpenes is to determine which strains will be successful for breeding. By looking at a strainās terpene profile, breeders can assess its potential for producing desirable traits in the offspring. For example, if a breeder is looking to create a new strain that has medication-quality effects, they may choose a strain with a higher myrcene content, as myrcene is associated with sedation, pain relief, and relaxation.
The second way that terpenes play a role in the breeding process is by aiding the selection process. By examining a strainās terpene profile, breeders can judge its potential for expression, hybrids, and yield. For example, a strain with a high pinene content would be more likely to express pinene-based traits, such as high aromatics and alertness.
Lastly, terpenes play a role in the selection of phenotypes. By smelling a cannabis strain, a breeder can determine which phenotypes are more favorable and then select the appropriate phenotype for breeding.
Selective breeding of terpenes is possible in the same way that other desired traits are selectively bred. By combining potent strains and analyzing the offspring, a breeder can then select the phenotype displaying the desired terpene profile and pair it with another strain to create a desirable hybrid. Then, after screening multiple generations and selecting for desired characteristics, the breeder can eventually create a strain that expresses desired levels of desired terpenes.
In conclusion, terpenes play an important role in the breeding process by providing important information about a strainās potential for expression and producing offspring with desired traits. Terpenes can also be selectively bred by careful selection of phenotypes, which can enable a breeder to create new strains with desired characteristics.