Fact Checked by Doctor NameIn cannabis cultivation, understanding genotypes is essential for breeders seeking to develop new strains with desirable characteristics.
Genotype refers to the specific genetic makeup or genome of an individual plant. It determines the plant’s potential traits, like appearance, aroma, effects, and more.
By selecting plants with superior genotypes, cannabis breeders can create unique varieties adapted for growers and consumers.
What is Genotype?
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An organism’s genotype is its DNA’s complete gene set. The plant grows and develops according to its genetic code and surroundings.
Genotype determines a plant’s or offspring’s traits. Environmental influences affect a plant’s gene expression, but its genotype is fixed.
Marijuana has a diploid genome, meaning it inherits genetic material from both a male and female parent. Breeders analyze the genotypes of parent plants when breeding to identify desirable traits that may manifest in offspring.
Isolating superior cannabis genotypes through selective breeding allows for the cultivation of customized strains with targeted effects, potency, aromas, etc.
Genotype vs. Phenotype
Genotype is a plant’s genetic potential, while phenotype is its physical expression. Genotype and environment affect phenotype.
The same genotype can produce very different phenotypes when grown in different settings.
This plasticity allows breeders to modify the phenotypic expression of a genotype without changing the fundamental genetic code.
For example, two identical cannabis plants with a sativa-dominant genotype may develop very different phenotypic traits when grown outdoors versus indoors.
The indoor plant may become shorter and bushier than its lanky outdoor counterpart.
However, their essential genotype remains the same. Skillful breeders use this understanding to promote desired phenotypic traits from high-quality parent genotypes.
