Advances in hemp breeding

Due to recently becoming legal to grow again in a number of countries, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has had a resurgence of interest both in cultivation and research. Industrial hemp has multiple uses, the main categories being fiber, grain, and cannabinoid oil. However, due to the previous illegality of the crop, hemp has not benefited from the Green Revolution innovations like other crops have. As the crop’s cultivation increases in acreage, biotic stresses such as insects and pathogens will likely (re)emerge to challenge defense mechanisms within Cannabis sativa. In addition, the yields of grain, fiber, and cannabinoids need to rise to maximize profitability. All of these make excellent targets for breeding programs, both public and private.