Title : Genetic diversity of Cannabis sativa in Thailand assessed using DArTseq analysis
Abstract:
Cannabis sativa L., commonly known as hemp, originates from Central Asia and is renowned for producing cannabinoids—compounds that hold significant promises for therapeutic applications. As interest in hemp continues to rise both globally and within Thailand, the Thai government has recently approved the cultivation of hemp for commercial, medical, and research purposes. This shift highlights the necessity of a thorough assessment of hemp varieties, focusing not only on their physical characteristics but also on their genetic makeup. Such evaluations are essential for guiding future breeding programs and ensuring the long-term viability of the hemp industry in Thailand. In this research, we performed an in-depth genetic analysis on 37 hemp samples collected from different regions across Thailand, along with two reference varieties, RPF-1 and RPF-2. To achieve this, we utilized advanced genetic tools, specifically DArTseq genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing, which allowed us to identify 3,609 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Through STRUCTURE analysis and principal component analysis, we identified three genetically distinct clusters among the hemp samples. The genetic differentiation among these clusters was measured using FST values, which ranged from 0.064 to 0.079, indicating a low to moderate level of genetic separation. Additionally, the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 4.83% of the variance was among populations, further supporting this finding. The study also revealed low to moderate genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity = 0.348; observed heterozygosity = 0.092) and a high inbreeding coefficient (0.737) within these clusters. The insights gained from this genetic analysis are crucial for developing specific primer sets that can effectively differentiate between hemp varieties. These tools will be instrumental in advancing future breeding programs, enabling the selection and cultivation of high-quality hemp strains tailored to diverse applications.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Audiences will gain insights into the genetic diversity present in Cannabis sativa (hemp) samples collected across Thailand. They will understand how diverse or homogeneous the hemp population is within the country
- The presentation will cover the identification of three distinct genetic clusters among the Thai hemp samples. Audiences will learn about the methods used to uncover these clusters (STRUCTURE analysis and principal component analysis) and the significance of these findings in terms of genetic differentiation and potential breeding strategies. This information can be used by the audience to plan future research projects
- Additionally, the presentation will discuss the high inbreeding coefficient found in the study, shedding light on the potential risks associated with limited genetic diversity within these hemp populations
