How Genetics Tests Help Cannabis Growers Improve Crop Yield and Quality
February 9, 2023 
Note: This article was compiled by Angel Fernandez, CEO & Co-Founder at MyFloraDNA; Joselyn Guadamuz, Scientific Researcher and Content Writer at MyFloraDNA; and Maria de Catarina, editor, Public Relations Specialist at MyFloraDNA.
The cannabis industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, highlighting the importance of quality control measures. One of them is the utilization of laboratory partners to ensure the genetic integrity of the products. However, the connection between cannabis and genetic studies is often underappreciated.
A genetic study or test is a type of analysis that is carried out on a tissue or cell to search for important traits in the genetic material of the plant. The results obtained from these analyses can provide a lot of information that helps confirm or refute many theories.
In recent years, genetic studies of cannabis have played a crucial role in the industry by providing growers with more advanced tools and techniques. These studies have enabled growers to improve crop yields by identifying key traits and characteristics for reproduction. Additionally, genetic analysis has made it possible to identify varieties of plants that produce higher concentrations of cannabinoids.
Furthermore, genetic testing has been instrumental in quickly and effectively detecting diseases that affect crops, allowing for more targeted treatment. Genetic testing has been essential in identifying the gender of the plant well in advance of flowering, thus saving growers time and resources.
But what should cannabis growers know about genetics? Let’s start with some basic concepts.
All organisms, including animals, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and plants, have genetic material. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a double-stranded molecule in the form of a helix that contains the unique biological information of each species. It is a set of sequences that contains all the instructions that organisms need to grow, develop, and reproduce. These sequences are translated into more complex molecules called proteins, which play a crucial role in the functioning of each organism.
On the other hand, there is also RNA or ribonucleic acid, which has some structural similarities with DNA but is single stranded. While most organisms use DNA as their genomic material, some organisms, such as viruses, use RNA as their genetic information. There are different types of RNA, one of which is messenger RNA (mRNA), which is responsible for transferring the translated information from DNA to synthesize proteins.
Another important aspect of genetic studies is genes. A gene is considered the basic functional and physical unit of heredity as it is inherited from parents to offspring. These are sequences that contain DNA information to encode proteins with specific functions in each organism and that allow the expression of physical and biological traits. It is possible that these sequences, due to errors in the formation of DNA, either during cell division or due to exposure to “mutagenic triggers” such as ultraviolet rays, pathogens, or environmental substances, are damaged and cause mutations. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of one or more genes, this can benefit the organism by giving it an advantageous trait compared to the rest of its species, or it can be harmful, causing all kinds of problems in the organism.
Additionally, there is a structure that works to transfer this genetic information from one cell to another in plants and animals called a chromosome. These are made of protein and a DNA molecule and are found in the nucleus. During sexual reproduction, one of each parent is transmitted to its offspring.
Finally, the set of all this genetic material that makes up each species is called a genome, which is all the genetic material of the DNA of the chromosomes that carry all the information and instructions found in cells.
What Genetic Tests Look For
Typically, genetic tests are conducted using a sample of tissue or cells from the plant, which can be obtained from the root, stem, or leaves. After the sample is taken, a series of chemical and mechanical procedures are applied to the tissue to extract the genetic material of the plant, including the genome, genes, DNA, and RNA. This material provides important and detailed information about the plant, especially that which cannot be detected visually. These analyses do not cause harm to the plants as long as the sample is taken correctly.
But why is it necessary to conduct genetic tests on our plants, and how does it benefit growers?
Genetic testing has made the job of many growers much easier. One key area in which these studies have contributed is in the diagnosis of plant diseases. Some diseases can be difficult to detect, and by the time symptoms are visible, it may be too late and the rest of the crop may be contaminated. DNA tests are a useful tool for the early detection of plant diseases.
Even if the plants are reproduced through cloning, it is crucial to ensure that the mother plant is healthy before proceeding, as 100% of the genetic material will be transferred to the clone, including any diseases the mother plant may have, such as viruses.
On the other hand, when reproducing through seed, growers must wait until flowering to determine the gender of their plants, which can be avoided by conducting a DNA test to obtain this information well before flowering.
Additionally, if a grower obtains a particularly outstanding trait in their plant, the only way to obtain information on that trait and validate its function is through genetic studies, allowing them to obtain a genetic profile of the plant as proof that it is unique.
These studies also work to detect unique, outstanding traits, such as high THC or CBD production in cannabis, which would not be possible without laboratory analysis, as these traits cannot be measured visually.
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