doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf077. Online ahead of print.
Promising high fidelity genetic markers for sexing Cannabis sativa seedlings
- PMID: 40203194
- DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf077
Abstract
The uses of Cannabis sativa, a dioecious species with an XY sex chromosome system, are varying from fiber and oil to cannabinoids, among others. In most cases, males are undesirable and the sexual dimorphism at immature plants is too subtle for reliable phenotypic sexing, making genetic approaches promising. In this technical note, we present a multiplex PCR-mix, that includes two markers of Y-specific coding regions and one autosomal control marker. This PCR-mix, tested across 12 hemp-type cultivars, encompassing approximately 200 individuals, achieved a 99.5% true positive rate in identifying the sex of C. sativa seedlings. Despite being tested on a limited number of germplasm, we believe that these markers offer a promising solution for sexing a larger diversity of C. sativa seedlings.
Keywords: Cannabis sativa, PCR, Y chromosome, sex identification
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Genetics Society of America.
Genetic Sexing of Cannabis sativa Seedlings: A Reliable New Tool
For growers, this means faster, more efficient selection of desired plants, reduced waste, and optimized growing strategies. As the cannabis industry grows, tools like these could become essential for ensuring high-quality, high-yield harvests, especially in regulated or large-scale settings where consistency matters.
Genetic testing continues to unlock smarter, science-backed solutions for cannabis agriculture, and this development is a meaningful step forward.
Revolutionary Research on the ECS, cannabinoids and cannabis-based medicine for healthcare from a trusted nonprofit.
