The Spyglass, page-5

https://www.intlpag.org/2019/images/pdf/2018/PAGXXVI-abstracts-workshops.pdf

W138: Cannabis Genomics - Advances and ApplicationsCuration and Data Management for Cannabis Germplasm and Use of XP-GWAS to Unravel Chemical Diversity

Matthew Welling1, Lei Liu1, Kathryn Eales2, Jos Mieog1, Omid Ansari3, Tim Shapter3, Phil Warner3 and Graham J. King1, (1)Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia, (2)Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia, (3)Ecofibre Industries Operations, Virginia, Australia

Given the ongoing presence of the Single Narcotics Convention and associated legislation, the management and exploitation of Cannabis genetic resources for multiple end-uses continues to be constrained. In order to stimulate a belated Green Revolution for this genus, we have proposed the establishment of virtual genetic resource management (Welling et al., 2016, Frontiers Plant Sci. 1113). Combining global efforts will contribute to stimulating further research and market demand in the industrial fibre, hempseed and medicinal cannabis markets. At present we are working closely with Ecofibre (EIO) to manage their unique genetic resource Collection, which includes accessions that represent a wide distribution of the extant genepool. We also are establishing an Australian national germplasm resource to include seed, DNA bank, chemical profiles and herbarium voucher specimens. We have commenced a systematic regeneration and characterization program, and are focusing on comprehensive and flexible data curation from trait to genome, implemented in the generic CropStoreDB data framework. Initial characterization of industrial hemp and recreational drug types within the Collection demonstrated a wider range of THC:CBD cannabinoid ratios than previously reported (Welling et al., 2016 208:463-75). We are now prospecting for novel functional gene variants using a strategy (XP-GWAS), which involves whole genome sequencing of pooled extreme chemical phenotypes. We expect this approach to accelerate the rate at which uncharacterized natural cannabinoids can be metabolically engineered in order to explore their value as novel therapeutic agents.