Cannabis Genetics

Hidden Threats: Exploring Viruses and Viroids with IPM Specialist Matthew Gates | #101

In this episode we sit down with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist Matthew Gates to delve into the often-overlooked world of cannabis viruses and viroids. In this episode, Matthew brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on the insidious pathogens that can silently wreak havoc on cannabis crops.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, understanding the hidden threats posed by viruses and viroids becomes paramount. Matthew explains the various types of viruses and viroids that can affect cannabis plants, their symptoms, and the potential economic impact on growers. He also shares insights into the latest research and diagnostic techniques that can help detect these pathogens early, enabling proactive management and prevention.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Matthew provides practical, actionable advice on how to implement effective IPM strategies to mitigate the risks. From cultural practices to biological controls and cutting-edge technologies, he covers a comprehensive range of tools and methods that can help protect your cannabis crop and ensure its health and productivity.

Whether you’re a seasoned cultivator, a novice grower, or simply interested in the science behind cannabis cultivation, this episode is packed with valuable information that you won’t want to miss. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by cannabis viruses and viroids and learn how to safeguard your plants against these unseen adversaries.

Learn more about Matthew at www.zenthanol.com

Cannabis – A Case of Cultonomic Neglect with Trevor Wittke | BTS 95

Did our modern conception of “sativa”, “indica”, and “ruderalis” come about because of politics rather than science? What have been the political and social factors influencing how scientists have studied and discussed Cannabis?

I had the opportunity to meet Trevor Wittke to talk all about these issues and more. Trevor is a Cannabis breeder and lifelong curious mind who spends much of his time diving into the sometimes lost and opaque history of Cannabis science to better understand the plant and share his findings with others.

In this discussion we unpack his recent exploration into 20th century debates around Cannabis taxonomy, particular between Richard Schultes and Ernest Small. We also talk about the strain debate and what we can learn from reading the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. We also spend time exploring key issues and concepts critical for breeders to study and understand in order to improve the landscape of commercial Cannabis.

If you grow Cannabis or are interested in the history of Cannabis, you will not want to miss this episode!

#CuriousAboutCannabis #CannabisEducation #Hemp #CannabisCommunity #CannabisIndustry #HempEducation #CannabisTaxonomy #Strains #Cultivar #Chemovar #Cultigen #ICNCP #UPOV #CannabisBreeding #CannabisCultivation #HempCultivation #HempBreeding

Unraveling the DNA of Cannabis with Oussama Badad of Trilogene Seeds | BTS 82

In this behind-the-scenes episode I chat with Oussama Badad, the lead geneticist for Trilogene Seeds to talk about the science behind Cannabis genetics and gene editing technologies. We discuss common misconceptions around gene editing, how gene editing using tools like CRISPR and RNA interference is different than the genetic modification technologies used to produce GMOs, how gene edited Cannabis plants could affect the Cannabis industry, Trilogene Seeds’ quest to produce THC-free hemp plants, Cannabis tissue culturing, and much more.

Learn more about Trilogene Seeds at trilogeneseeds.com

#CannabisEducation #CannabisGenetics #Cannabis #Hemp #THCFree #CannabisPodcast #CuriousAboutCannabis

Critical Cannabis Genetics Questions with Reggie Gaudino PhD (From 2022 Master Class)

In this episode I wanted to share a presentation given by Reggie Gaudino PhD from the 2022 Curious About Cannabis Master Class where Reggie spent over an hour and a half diving into some of the most pressing questions people often have about Cannabis genetics.

Reggie will be joining us once again for our 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class along with over a dozen other special guests comprised of renowned researchers, clinicians and industry professionals ready to share their passion for Cannabis education with you! Class starts on March 23rd and runs through August 24th, 2023!

Learn more about the CAC Master Class at www.masterclasscannabis.com or visit www.cacpodcast.com/events to learn more about CAC events.

The Science of the Cannabis Plant with Allison Justice PhD | #77

In this behind-the-scenes episode we meet plant scientist Dr. Allison Justice. Dr. Justice is the founder of the vertically integrated hemp company The Hemp Mine, located in South Carolina. She is also the founder of the Cannabis Research Coalition – a research organization formed in partnership with Clemson University that is dedicated to pursuing practical agricultural research on Cannabis to provide answers relevant for farmers, extractors and product manufacturers.

In this conversation we explore Allison’s own research into the Cannabis plant, ranging from studies on light intensity, photosynthetic rates, harvest techniques, drying parameters, curing and more. We also discuss the challenges that Cannabis cultivators in the southeastern United States are facing when trying to utilize plants sourced from places with very different climates like California, Oregon or Colorado.

We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so get ready to take notes, buckle up, and let’s learn together!

The Hemp Mine: https://www.thehempmine.com

Cannabis Research Coalition: https://www.cannabisrc.org/

BTS #36 Anna Schwabe PhD on Sources of Variation in Cannabis Plants, Hope for Indica/Sativa?

In this behind-the-scenes episode we join Anna Schwabe, PhD, a geneticist and plant scientist that spent her PhD work examining how and why Cannabis plants exhibit different chemical profiles, smells, and effects. In our conversation we dive into many of these nuances and talk about whether people can distinguish Cannabis varieties consistently by smell, how much variation exists between Cannabis plants labeled as the same strain, and whether there may be some hope after all for the colloquial use of the terms “indica” and “sativa”.

Learn more about Anna’s work at www.annaschwabe.com

BTS #24 Angus of The Real Seed Co. on The New Taxonomy for Landrace Cultivars (EDITED)

In this behind-the-scenes (BTS) interview we join Angus of The Real Seed Company once again to discuss a recently published paper entitled “A Classification of Endangered High-THC Cannabis Domesticates and Their Wild Relatives” by John McPartland and Ernest Small. We discussed some of our basic thoughts about the paper, how the new taxonomy will influence The Real Seed Company’s operations and what plants they collect from, the implications this new taxonomy has for preserving the dwindling genetic diversity of the Cannabis plant, how landrace Cannabis farmers in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other areas are getting hit hard by COVID-19, and much more.

This is an edited version of our conversation. The full conversation is nearly three hours long and can be found at Patreon.com/CuriousAboutCannabis

I hope you enjoy! Stay curious

BTS #21 Samuel Moore of Hillside Hemp Oregon on Sustainable Farming, Seed Sourcing, CBD

In this behind-the-scenes (BTS) episode recorded in the summer of 2019, we join Hillside Hemp CEO and Cannabis cultivator, Samuel Moore, at his hemp farm in Southern Oregon to talk about sustainable farming practices, how small scale Cannabis farms can survive the growth of hemp farming, things to consider when sourcing Cannabis seeds, lessons learned from the “Great Hemp Seed Debacle of 2018”, and much more.

We hope to catch up with Sam again soon to see how his farm is doing this year compared to last year when this interview was recorded. Enjoy and stay curious!

BTS #18 Kevin McKernan of Medicinal Genomics on Cannabis Genetics, GMO Cannabis, Pest Resistance

In this behind-the-scenes (BTS) episode we sit down with Kevin McKernan, the founder of Medicinal Genomics, who has been working for years on mapping and understanding the Cannabis genome. Our 2 hour conversation spanned many topics including basic misunderstandings about genetics, the genes responsible for cannabinoid production in Cannabis, how genes sometimes do unexpected things, how Cannabis genes are related to pest resistance, philosophical and ethical issues related to genetic modification of organisms and much more.

The pre-print research article referenced in this conversation can be found here: https://www.medicinalgenomics.com/breakthrough-cannabis-genomics-study/

Medicinal Genomics: www.medicinalgenomics.com

Kannapedia: www.kannapedia.net

#08 The Strain Game: What’s In a Name?

What’s in a name? In our final episode for Season One, we explore the ways in which Cannabis is named and represented in the market place – by strain name and indica/sativa designation. How do strain names and indica/sativa designations relate to genetic lineage and chemical profiles? Where did the indica vs. sativa model come from? How should confused consumers navigate the strain game?

Contributions from: Angus of The Real Seed Company; Steve Albarran and Brad Bogus of Confident Cannabis

The Real Seed Company: www.therealseedcompany.com

Confident Cannabis: www.confidentcannabis.com

Connect by Confident Cannabis: connect.confidentcannabis.com

Phylos Galaxy: https://phylos.bio/galaxy/

Kannapedia by Medicinal Genomics: http://www.kannapedia.net/

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