Inducing potential mutants in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) via chemical mutagenesis

Title : Inducing potential mutants in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) via chemical mutagenesis

Abstract:

Cannabis sativa is a multi-use crop with applications in food, fiber, construction, and medicinal industries. In the US, Cannabis plants with low THC concentrations (hemp) have recently been decriminalized according to the 2018 farm bill but farmers are still hesitant about its legality. To avert the risk and constant regulatory pressures due to potential THC contents, we aim to develop a compliant hemp variety using chemical mutagenesis. We selected EMS as the chemical mutagen and identified the LD50 doses for two hemp varieties. Hemp seeds were treated with the LD50 dosage of the mutagen to produce mutant M1 populations. The M1 plants displayed a wide array of mutant phenotypes and were tested for their trichome profiles. Selection of M1 plants was done based on mutant phenotypic traits and trichome production, followed by self-hybridizations to produce M2 seeds. The obtained lines are expected to be 100% compliant with all regulations. These promising lines present a new, versatile, and sustainable crop with applications in food, fiber, and construction industries, addressing the growing needs of the nation.

Biography:

Teja Sri Vengala is an Agricultural Plant Scientist and innovator at Rare Earth Genomics. She specializes in industrial hemp breeding, genetics, and genomics. With a Master of Science in Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding from Texas A&M University, she has led multiple research projects, including the development of heat and drought tolerant hemp and compliant hemp. She recently launched a major international collaboration between REG-TAMU and India’s premier hemp research institute, CSIR-NBRI. She has presented at leading national and international conferences and is committed to bridging global hemp innovation with real-world agricultural impact.