Analysis of Cannabis sativa L. Collection accessions for cannabinoid contens and chemotype

Abstract

Aim. To investigate hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) collection accessions of different genetic and eco-geographical origin in terms of major cannabinoid compound contents – cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabigerol (CBG), to establish chemotypes of the accessions and correlations between cannabinoid contents. Results and Discussion. Fifty five hemp accessions were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The identified cannabinoid compounds showed variability. The CBD content ranged from 0.0052 to 1.7251 %; the THC content  from 0.0000 (complete absence) to 0.0775 % (does not exceed the law-allowable level); and the CBG content  from 0.0000 (complete absence) to 0.8892 %. Twenty-one accessions (38 %), ВО203327, ЮС 12, UF0600047, Odnodomni 8, ВО78142, ВО5799, UF0600145, UF0600146, ВО2539, UF0600183, YuS 58, Malo-Perevozskaya, Hibryd 3, Yuzhnaya Bolshe-Pisarevskaya, Almetyevskaya, UF0600253, Santika, Lipko, Silvana, Fedora 17, and Vera, were distinguished due to high CBD content. Nine accessions (16.4 %), YuSO 31, Hlukhivski 51, Hliana, Kirovskaya К-314, Mykolaichyk, Artemida, Harmoniia, Mih 2, and Hlukhivski 85 had no THC at al. Three accessions (5.4 % of the total), UF0600253, Mozdokskaya and VIK CBN, were distinguished because of high CBG content. Conclusions. The accessions distinguished were recommended for use in practical breeding, in particular for developing medicinal varieties with a high content of CBD and/or wiithout CBG or THC. The analyzed accessions belonged to 3 hemp сhemotypes: III (36 accessions or 65.5 %), IV (1 accession or 1.8 %) and V (18 accessions or 32.7 % of the total). Strong correlations between CBD and THC and no relationships between CBG and other cannabinoid compounds have been established. Chemotype III accessions showed weaker correlations compared with chemotype V. This pattern should be taken into account, when selecting starting forms for breeding.