International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 51-63 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 57 6 Modern Cultivation and Breeding Techniques 6.1 Advances in genetic modification and breeding for specific traits Recent advancements in genetic modification and breeding techniques have significantly impacted the cultivation of Cannabis sativa, particularly in optimizing the content of key cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Traditional breeding methods, while effective, are often time-consuming and costly due to the dioecious and highly heterogenic nature of cannabis (Ingvardsen and Brinch-Pedersen, 2023). Modern genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offer a promising solution by allowing precise modifications to target genes responsible for cannabinoid biosynthesis. This approach can streamline the introduction of desirable traits without altering the overall cannabinoid profile. Whole-genome resequencing has provided valuable insights into the domestication history and genetic diversity of cannabis, identifying candidate genes associated with traits differentiating hemp and drug cultivars. This genomic information is crucial for functional and molecular breeding research, enabling the development of cultivars with specific THC and CBD ratios tailored for medicinal or industrial purposes (Ren et al., 2021). Additionally, the characterization of physiological traits and the heritability of key parameters such as plant height and days to maturation can facilitate the selection of high-yielding genotypes, further enhancing breeding efficiency. The use of tissue culture techniques, including micropropagation and genetic transformation, has also shown potential in cannabis breeding. These methods can produce disease-free, true-to-type plants and enable the development of novel phenotypes through gene expression modulation (Adhikary et al., 2021). The integration of these advanced techniques into breeding programs can accelerate the creation of elite cannabis strains with optimized cannabinoid content and other desirable traits. 6.2 Impact of technology on cultivation practices Technological advancements have revolutionized cannabis cultivation practices, leading to more efficient and sustainable production methods. The adoption of precision agriculture techniques, such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA), allows for the optimization of growing conditions, resulting in higher yields and consistent quality (Spangenberg and Cogan, 2021). By monitoring and adjusting environmental parameters such as light, temperature, and humidity, growers can create ideal conditions for cannabis growth, reducing the risk of disease and pest infestations. The use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies has enabled the establishment of virtual genetic resources, facilitating the systematic phenotyping and genetic analysis of cannabis germplasm (Welling et al., 2016). This approach can identify key genetic markers associated with desirable traits, supporting marker-assisted selection and the development of breeding programs that rely on less labor-intensive and time-consuming methods (Ranalli, 2004). The creation of a global virtual core collection of cannabis genetic resources can further enhance breeding strategies by providing a comprehensive database of genetic diversity and provenance meta-data. Moreover, the characterization of cannabinoid accumulation, flowering time, and disease resistance in high-cannabinoid hemp cultivars has highlighted the importance of selecting cultivars with optimal performance for specific growing locations (Rose et al., 2021). By understanding the genetic and environmental factors influencing these traits, breeders can develop stable, uniform cultivars with improved disease resistance and flowering times tailored to different latitudes. 7 Case Study: Domestication and Dissemination of a Specific Strain 7.1 The origin, domestication process and spreading of the “Indica”variety One notable strain of Cannabis sativa is the “Indica” variety, which has its origins in Central Asia, specifically in regions such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkestan (Figure 3). This strain, scientifically classified as Cannabis sativa subsp. indica, was initially domesticated in these areas due to the favorable climatic conditions that promoted its growth and unique phytochemical properties (McPartland and Small, 2020). The domestication
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