TETRAPLOIDY AND TRIPLOIDY: UNUSUAL GENETIC VARIANTS IN CANNABIS

TETRAPLOIDY AND TRIPLOIDY: UNUSUAL GENETIC VARIANTS IN CANNABIS

Tetraploidy and triploidy are unusual genetic variants in cannabis. These variations involve the number of chromosomes and affect the structure and function of plant cells, which can have a significant impact on the growth, development and effects of cannabis. Why do tetraploid plants contain higher levels of cannabinoids? And do these plants give higher or lower yields? In this article, we will analyse these genetic variations, how they arise, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can be used in cultivation.

Tetraploidy and triploidy: what is it and why does it occur?

Most cannabis plants usually have diploid chromosomes, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes. This number of chromosomes is the basis of the plant's genetic stability and reproduction.

Tetraploidy means that the plant has four sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two. Triploidy indicates the presence of three sets of chromosomes. These genetic variations can arise for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Failure to separate during meiosis: the erroneous separation of chromosomes during the process of sex cell formation can lead to unusual genetic sets.
  • Polyploidisation: the combination of two sex cells with the wrong number of chromosomes can lead to triploid or tetraploid plants.
  • Chemicals and radiation: exposure of plants or seeds to different chemicals or radiation can cause genetic changes, including changes in chromosome number.
  • Endomitosis: repeated cell division without subsequent division of the cell nucleus can lead to multinucleated cells with multiple chromosome sets.

Cannabis and tetraploidy

Tetraploid cannabis plants have four times more chromosomes than normal diploid plants. This can affect various aspects of plant structure and anatomy, including cell size, leaf structure and root system. It can also affect growth and flowering rates.

Advantages and disadvantages of tetraploidy in cannabis

Advantages:

  1. Increased stress tolerance: tetraploid plants can be more resistant to adverse environmental conditions such as drought, poor soil quality or pathogens.

  1. Higher substance content: tetraploidy can lead to increased production of certain substances, including cannabinoids, which are used for medicinal or industrial purposes.

  1. Adaptability: tetraploid plants can adapt better to different conditions and environmental changes, which can be advantageous for cultivation in different areas.

Disadvantages:

  1. Size and growth: tetraploid plants tend to be larger than diploid plants, which can be more challenging to grow and also require more space.

  1. Low yields: some tetraploid plants may provide lower yields, which can be disadvantageous to the grower.

  1. Problems in breeding: difficulties may arise when trying to cross tetraploid varieties with diploid varieties, which may limit the ability to breed and create new varieties.

  1. Cost and difficulty: tetraploid plants can be more difficult and costly to grow and care for than diploid plants.

Cannabis and triploidy

Triploid cannabis plants have three sets of chromosomes, which can result from the fusion of two sex cells with the wrong number of chromosomes. Triploid plants often differ from diploid plants in their structure, which relates to leaf size, the shape of the canes and the height of the plants. Some triploid plants may have reproductive problems, which can affect their ability to produce seeds.

Advantages and disadvantages of triploidy in cannabis

Advantages:

  1. Infertility: triploid plants often have difficulty reproducing and producing seeds, which can be advantageous for growers who want to avoid unwanted flowering and seed production. This feature is particularly useful in industrial hemp cultivation for CBD production, where only buds are valued.

  1. Lower THC content: triploid plants usually have a lower THC content than diploid plants. This can be an advantage in countries where THC content is restricted or banned.

  1. Breeding new varieties: triploidy opens up new possibilities for breeding new varieties of cannabis with unique characteristics. Triploid plants may have a different terpene profile and may be suitable for specific medicinal purposes.

Disadvantages:

  1. Lower flower yields: triploid plants often have smaller buds and lower yields, which can be a disadvantage for growers who want to produce high-cannabinoid buds.

  1. Genetic instability: triploid plants can be genetically unstable and tend to change over time, which can negatively affect their sustainability and yield.

  1. Reduced fertility: triploid plants often have problems with reproduction and seed production, which can affect fertility and the plant's ability to produce new generations.

  1. Alterations in growth characteristics: triploid plants may have a different growth pattern than diploid plants. This may include changes in plant height, larger leaf size or different branching.

Triploidy vs. tetraploidy in cannabis: the main differences

Triploidy and tetraploidy are two types of genetic variation in cannabis that relate to chromosome number. Below are the main differences between triploidy and tetraploidy in cannabis:

  1. Chromosome number:
  • Triploidy: in triploidy, the plant has three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two (diploidy). This means that there are three sets of chromosomes in each cell.
  • Tetraploidy: a tetraploid plant has four sets of chromosomes. This is twice as many as a normal diploid plant.

  1. Development and reproduction:
  • Triploidy: triploid plants often have problems with reproduction and seed production, which can affect their fertility. Triploid plants often produce fewer seeds and have less ability to interbreed with other plants.
  • Tetraploidy: tetraploid plants can reproduce but may have reduced fertility. Hybridisation of tetraploid plants may be more difficult than for diploid plants.

  1. Structure and anatomy:
  • Triploidy: triploid plants can be different in terms of structure, including different leaf size, shape and plant height. They may also have lower yields.
  • Tetraploidy: tetraploid plants may have larger cells, which can lead to an overall larger plant size. They may show increased resistance to stress.

  1. Substance content:
  • Triploidy: triploid plants may contain varying amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may affect the medicinal uses and effects of the plant.
  • Tetraploidy: tetraploid plants may have increased levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may be beneficial for medicinal use.

  1. Breeding and cultivation:
  • Triploidy: triploid plants can cause considerable problems for breeders, as reproduction and hybridisation of triploid plants can be very difficult.
  • Tetraploidy: Tetraploidy can provide breeders with new opportunities to develop new varieties with improved traits.

Use of tetraploid and triploid cannabis plants

Tetraploid and triploid plants can be used in practice in different ways depending on their specific characteristics. Below are some possible applications of these genetic variants in different fields:

  1. Industrial cultivation:
  • Tetraploid and triploid plants may be suitable for industrial cultivation of hemp for the production of textile fibres, oils, bioplastics and other industrial products.

  1. Medicinal uses:
  • Triploid plants with lower levels of psychoactive substances such as THC may be suitable for medicinal purposes, especially for patients who desire therapeutic effects without significant psychoactive effects.

  1. Pharmaceutical industry:
  • Tetraploid and triploid plants can be used as a basis for the production of pharmaceutical preparations, medicinal extracts, capsules and tablets with precise active ingredients.

  1. Cosmetic industry:
  • Tetraploid and triploid plants can serve as raw materials for the production of natural cosmetic products that exploit the properties of terpenes and other phytochemicals.

  1. Breeding new varieties:
  • These genetic variants can provide breeders with the basis for breeding new varieties of cannabis with improved properties, for example with increased content of specific cannabinoids or terpenes.

A few words in conclusion

Tetraploidy and triploidy are interesting genetic variations in cannabis that open the door to new research and practical applications. Changes in the number of chromosomes have an impact on plant structure, substance content and plant properties. While triploid plants offer the potential for specific medicinal uses with lower levels of psychoactive substances, tetraploid plants may provide higher levels of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. In the field of breeding, these variations may lead to new varieties with unique characteristics. However, thorough research and consideration of all the advantages and disadvantages of these variants is necessary to achieve optimal application in each sector.


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