How important is the consideration of the terpene profile when breeding cannabis plants? Can breeders aim to create plants with specific terpene profiles, and what impact does this have on the final product?
One answer “What is the significance of the terpene profile in cannabis breeding?”
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When it comes to breeding cannabis plants, the terpene profile is hugely important. Terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its flavor and aroma, as well as providing some of its therapeutic effects. This means that if a breeder can create a strain with a specific terpene profile, they can create something that will be highly sought after from both recreational and medical users alike.
When breeding, terpene profiles should be taken into account at the beginning of the process. Breeders must understand the genetics of the two original plants they are using, as this will influence how the terpene profile will be expressed once the final product is created. They should also be aware of what type of terpenes the plant will produce, as this will influence the aroma, flavor and therapeutics of the final strain.
Once the genetics of the two original plants are known, breeders can begin to “dial in” the terpene profile of the resulting strain. This is done by selectively breeding the plants over many generations, optimizing for the desired terpene profile. This process takes considerable time and effort, as breeders must have a precise understanding of what terpenes they are looking for and must also have access to various biochemical testing kits in order to measure and make adjustments to the plants.
However, the effort that goes into designing a strain with a specific terpene profile can pay off. By creating a strain with a certain terpene blend, breeders can produce something that is truly unique. Consumers may seek out these strains for their flavor and aroma, or for their therapeutic effects. For example, some people might prefer a strain with a high level of carene, which can have anti-inflammatory effects, while others might prefer a strain with a high level of linalool, which can be used to induce relaxation.
In addition, terpene profiles can also influence how plants grow. Certain terpenes can affect the speed of flowering, which affects the overall yield of the harvest. By understanding the genetic and biochemical makeup of plants, breeders can design strains that are more likely to produce the desired outcome.
Overall, the consideration of a plant’s terpene profile is an important part of cannabis breeding. By understanding the genetic and biochemical makeup of both original parents, as well as the various terpene profiles that can be created, breeders can create incredibly unique plants that can offer consumers a range of benefits.