OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project was to selectively crossbreed cannabis plants to produce seeds containing homozygous copies of both an engineered cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase gene and a tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene knockout. The project focused on germinating seeds from unique cultivar lines to identify and select plants for cross-pollination, resulting in offspring homozygous for both genetic modifications.

To ensure precise environmental control and prevent cross-contamination, individual breeding chambers were established within a controlled, indoor agricultural environment utilizing advanced LED lighting systems. The resulting seed offspring will allow for the study of upregulated cannabigerol (CBG) production and its impact on the biosynthesis of cannabinoids when the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pathway was inhibited.

CHALLENGE

4Plant aimed to push the boundaries of cannabis genetics by breeding plants with specific genetic modifications: an engineered cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase gene and a tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene knockout. The primary challenge involved the precise germination and identification of seeds carrying these unique genetic modifications.

Once identified, these plants required cross-pollination to produce offspring homozygous for both genetic modifications. However, 4Plant faced a significant barrier in the lack of access to a controlled indoor environment in Canada, which was critical for ensuring accurate germination, genetic screening, and controlled pollination. Such an environment was essential to support plant growth, prevent cross-contamination between unique seed lines, and enable precise characterization. This level of precision was vital for advancing 4Plant’s research and development efforts in cannabis breeding and genetic selection.

SOLUTION

The Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) at Niagara College (NC), featuring a state-of-the-art genomics lab and the cutting-edge cannabis cultivation research facility, the CannaResearchBunker, provided a comprehensive solution to 4Plant’s challenges. HESIC’s cannabis growth facility was equipped with an advanced indoor controlled environment and state-of-the-art LED lighting systems, offering the optimal setting for the precise processes required in 4Plant’s research.

HESIC facilitated the growth and selection of plants with the desired genetic modifications. It also provided the controlled conditions necessary for conducting pollination using individual breeding chambers. This approach ensured precise control over the breeding process and the prevention of cross-contamination between unique seed lines.

The ultimate goal was to produce seed offspring homozygous for both the engineered CBDA synthase gene and the THCA synthase knockout, following Mendelian genetic inheritance patterns. By collaborating with HESIC, 4Plant leveraged the College’s sophisticated facilities and expert knowledge to overcome these challenges and continue innovating in the field of cannabis genetics.