Journal
GENETICS
Volume 219, Issue 2, Pages -Publisher
GENETICS SOCIETY AMERICA
DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab099
Keywords
genetic architecture; hemp; olivetol synthase
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Funding
- Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station
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Researchers investigated the genetic basis of complex traits in hemp by developing an F2 population and identifying 69 loci associated with agronomic and biochemical trait variation. They found that most QTL co-localized, indicating that phenotypic distinctions between different hemp cultivars are controlled by a small number of loci. Additionally, candidate genes TINY and olivetol synthase were identified and functionally validated to have an impact on these traits. This study contributes to modernizing the genomic understanding of complex traits in hemp.
Understanding the genetic basis of complex traits is a fundamental goal of evolutionary genetics. Yet, the genetics controlling complex traits in many important species such as hemp (Cannabis sativa) remain poorly investigated. Because hemp's change in legal status with the 2014 and 2018 U.S. Federal Farm Bills, interest in the genetics controlling its numerous agriculturally important traits has steadily increased. To better understand the genetics of agriculturally important traits in hemp, we developed an F2 population by crossing two phenotypically distinct hemp cultivars (Carmagnola and USO31). Using whole-genome sequencing, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with variation in numerous agronomic and biochemical traits. A total of 69 loci associated with agronomic (34) and biochemical (35) trait variation were identified. We found that most QTL co-localized, suggesting that the phenotypic distinctions between Carmagnola and USO31 are largely controlled by a small number of loci. We identified TINY and olivetol synthase as candidate genes underlying colocalized QTL clusters for agronomic and biochemical traits, respectively. We functionally validated the olivetol synthase candidate by expressing the alleles in yeast. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assays of extracts from these yeast colonies suggest that the USO31 olivetol synthase is functionally less active and potentially explains why USO31 produces lower cannabinoids compared to Carmagnola. Overall, our results help modernize the genomic understanding of complex traits in hemp.
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