Highly Predictive Genetic Markers Distinguish Drug-Type from Fiber-Type L.

Genetic markers can be used in seeds and in plants to distinguish drug-type from fiber-type L. varieties even at early stages, including pre-germination when cannabinoids are not accumulated yet. With this aim, this paper reports sequencing results for () and () genes from 21 L. varieties. Taking into account that - and -derived enzymes compete for the same substrate, the novelty of this work relies in the identification of markers based on both and rather than alone. Notably, in our panel, we achieved an adequate degree of discrimination (AUC 100%) between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis samples. Our sequencing approach allowed identifying multiple genetic markers (single-nucleotide polymorphisms-SNPs-and a deletion/insertion) that effectively discriminate between the two subgroups of cannabis, namely fiber type vs. drug type. We identified four functional SNPs that are likely to induce decreased activity in the fiber-type cannabis plants. We also report the finding on a deletion in the gene sequence that produces a truncated protein, possibly resulting in loss of function of the enzyme in the drug-type varieties. Chemical analyses for the actual concentration of cannabinoids confirmed the identification of drug-type rather than fiber-type genotypes. Genetic markers permit an early identification process for forensic applications while simplifying the procedures related to detection of therapeutic or industrial hemp.