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Zach Stansell, Tyler Gordon, Tony Barraco, Zaria Smith, Ashya Reid
The USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Resources Unit is a seed repository that maintains, distributes, and evaluates genetically and geographically diverse germplasm. In 2021, work on the hemp collection was initiated. Currently, the collection holds 200 feral, fiber, grain, secondary metabolite, and other varieties. In Summer 2022, we grew these populations to evaluate chemical, fiber, agronomic, and horticultural traits. This data will be shared with plant breeders and researchers to support developing improved hemp cultivars.
Trial
- Planted 104 diverse accessions (Fig 1,2)
- ~10 plants per accession, replicated three times
- 2,400 individual plants
Evaluation
- Measure important traits:
Height (Fig 2), flowering date, stem diameter
Seed quality
Fiber quality
Secondary metabolites - Diversity within and between accessions (Fig 2,3)
Genetic Studies
- Cuttings from individual plants with unique traits
- Make targeted hybridizations to understand genetic basis for various traits
- Select improved germplasm
Stakeholder Priorities Drive Research Decisions
