Identifying the repellent genes in Cannabis (C. sativa) through CRISPR screening. The hidden use of Marijuana

Abstract

Chemical pesticides have caused numerous deaths of people, animals, and plants. As a result, alternative pesticides which are health beneficial and ecological are needed. Cannabis sativa,​ known for its psychoactive effects, can be the solution to this problem. It has excellent repellent characteristics as seen through its use as a companion plant, as well as in-vitro studies. However it has its drawbacks due its controversial nature and lack of research. To solve this problem, our paper aims to locate the non-vital genes in ​C.sativa that cause its repellent effects (R-genes) through CRISPR screening. To optimally identify the R-genes, the random knocked out genes of ​C.sativa were compared to the percentage of alive root-knot nematodes (​M.incognita​) in the plant’s soil. In our experiment, four plants were established per sample: Plant A which is a normal ​Cannabis sativa​, Plant B which is a normal ​Cannabis sativa being infected by ​M.incognita,​ Plant C which is a genetically modified ​Cannabis sativa​, and Plant D which is the same as Plant C except it is being infected by ​M.incognita.​ Then the percentage of alive nematodes will be compared in Plant B and D to identify the R genes. The discovery of R-genes is important as it can be used to discover a new class of repellent molecules. They can also be inserted into crops or household plants, giving them ​Cannabis sativa​’s repellent effects, and benefiting agricultural and health fields.