Study Reveals Genes Related To Sex Modification In Feminized Plants
The investigation highlighted a number of genes with potential roles
Cannabis sativa L. (hemp, marijuana) produces male and female inflorescences on different plants that produce unisexual flowers.
In commercial production, marijuana plants are all genetically feminized, as female plants accumulate far larger amounts of several cannabinoids in the trichomes than male plants, which are often removed or killed. Moreover, the presence of male plants among females often leads to the fecundation of female plants; a fecundated female plant will lead to seed formation, reducing flower quality (as they become hermaphrodites) and buds/cannabinoids yield.
Both genetics and environment play a role in the determination of the sex of a cannabis plant. Many growers focus on the growing conditions to ensure that hermaphroditism (when you have both male and female flowers on the same plant) does not take place, but genetics play just as important a role.
Scientists have already identified which genes are responsible for flower formation and sex development in other plants in the past.
For instance, loss or gain of function of those genes, due to environmental conditions or genetic manipulation, can have deleterious effects, including elimination (when the plant doesn’t develop any flower) or conversion of floral parts (changes from female to male plants, for example).
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