Analysis of the individual variability of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars using SSR and SCAR markers

Relevance. The revival of hemp farming, which is observed in many countries, places high demands on the efficiency of breeding and genetic work and new species of hemp. The genetic diversity of hemp species for economically valuable traits is quite limited, and legal requirements for the content of cannabinoids in the plant complicate the selection process. The use of various DNA markers can provide significant support in effective and safe breeding, analysis of genetic polymorphism and intra-variety purity.

The purpose of this work was to study the genetic diversity of a number of modern Russian species of hemp seeds using two types of DNA markers.

Materials and methods. The object of the study was eight species of monoecious hemp of the Central Russian type included in the State register of agricultural achievements approved for use, of various breeding origin. Each specie was represented by eight individual plants. To study genetic polymorphism, a PCR method was used using a set of ten SSR markers, followed by product detection on a genetic analyzer. To determine the cannabinoid chemotype of species, a specific SCAR marker was used, the amplification products of which were detected by electrophoresis.

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