b'looking for more eco-friendly options,as plants wont flower until late in the Slaski says.season. Additionally, theres a risk of Hemp as a crop has the potential toearly frost damaging the flowers.be a major contributor to a carbon-neu- However, researchers have discov-tral economy, as it is a high biomass pro- ered autoflowering versions of cannabis ducer that extracts a lot of carbon fromthat flower independently of lighting the environment. The Canadian hempconditions. industry is now focusing on developingUnfortunately, these cultivars typi-programs that promote sustainability,cally dont produce as much potency or such as carbon capture and lifecycleyield as photoperiod-sensitive cultivars. assessment, particularly for fibre-typeWere working to identify the genes varieties. This includes developing score- responsible for autoflowering and associ-cards for hemp-based products, whichated traits, with the goal of creating will allow consumers to make informedautoflower cultivars that can match theJan Slaski is a longtime hemp breeder at choices about the sustainability of thequality and yield of photoperiod-sensitiveInnoTech Alberta.products they buy. plants, Pick says.On the food side, consumers areAnother focus of medical and demanding organic products with provenrecreational cannabis research is disease protein and fatty acid profiles and provenresistance. With limited options for health benefits. There is also a grow- chemical control due to inhalation con-ing demand for new formulations ofcerns, genetic resistance is crucial. The hemp-based snacks, bars, and other foodmost common disease affecting cannabis products that are convenient and easy tois powdery mildew, but researchers have consume on-the-go, Slaski says.found two separate sources of powdery Overall, the Canadian hemp indus- mildew resistance genes, which can be try is undergoing significant changesused in breeding to create disease-resist-driven by evolving consumer preferences.ant cultivars.Sustainability and health are key driversOne of the biggest challenges facing of these changes, and the industry isthe cannabis industry is catching up responding by developing new productson the century of innovation that other and programs that promote these values,crops have had access to, Pick adds. One Slaski adds.major change on the horizon is a move from clonally propagated cannabis to The Future hybrid seed. Cannabis cultivation has come a longWhile the hemp side of the industry way from its illegal roots, Pick notes, andmoved to seed a long time ago, one excit-now scientists are actively researchinging area of focus is breeding new varieties ways to improve the quality and yield ofof the plant. the plant. One area of focus is autoflow- In Alberta, for example, the AlbertaCharles Pick is SVP science and innovation for ering genes, which control when theHemp Alliance is leading a project toAurora Cannabis.plant flowers. Currently, most cannabisbreed fibre varieties that are adapted to grown indoors or in greenhouses is pho- the regions unique conditions. The goal toperiod sensitive, meaning it will onlyis to avoid importing varieties from other flower when it receives an equal amountjurisdictions and instead develop regional of light and dark.varieties that are specifically suited to the This can be controlled with lighting,needs of farmers and other hemp produc-but it can also limit outdoor cultivationers, Slaski notes.Visit germination.ca/green-revolution for more!JULY 2023 GERMINATION.CA 41'