Location: Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU)
2023 Annual Report
Objectives
Objective 1: Efficiently and effectively acquire and maintain the safety, genetic integrity, health, and viability of priority hemp genetic resources, and distribute them and associated information worldwide. [NP301, C2, PS 2A]
Objective 2: Develop effective and regulatory compliant genetic resource maintenance, evaluation, testing, and characterization methods and apply them to priority hemp genetic resources. Record and disseminate hemp evaluation and characterization data via GRIN-Global and other data sources. [NP301, C2, PS 2A]
Objective 3: With other National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) genebanks and Crop Germplasm Committees, develop, update, document, and implement best management practices and a Crop Vulnerability Statement for priority hemp genetic resources and information management. [NP301, C2, PS 2A]
Objective 4: Develop and apply research tools, knowledge of hemp genetics, the genetic control of priority traits, and genetic resources for hemp research, breeding, and crop improvement. [NP301, C1, PS 1A; PS 1B]
Approach
Hemp germplasm resources will be acquired via germplasm exchange from public and private sector collaborators and collection if Plant Exploration grants are awarded. This work will follow all federal, state, and ARS best management practices (BMPs) for hemp research activities. Diverse feral populations, landraces, breeding stock, synthetic lines, and other hemp germplasm types will be maintained in sufficient population sizes to retain genetic diversity and increased in compliant growth chamber and greenhouse conditions and distributed with associated information. Any accession that drops below minimum requirements for seed quantity (2,000) or viability (70%) will be regenerated. We will ensure the long-term safety of collections by systematically completing backups of accessions at PAGRP, Fort Collins, CO. Data from GRIN-Global will be used to analyze backup status of all accessions. Backup samples will be produced either from currently stored seed or from accession regeneration. Whenever seed is requested for an accession with low seed supply, it will be given priority for regeneration. We will cooperate with scientists from ARS and other public and private sectors to define and characterize priority traits in the hemp collection. This project will characterize and evaluate key morphological, horticultural quality, genetic, and biochemical attributes of hemp accessions during regenerations and via stakeholder collaborations. Characterization and evaluation data will be collected using an electronic tablet for distribution via GRIN-Global and other databases. The knowledge, expertise, and experience of CGC members, and staff at other NPGS and international germplasm repositories will be leveraged to develop a Crop Vulnerability Statement for priority hemp genetic resources and information management while strengthening and improving germplasm conservation through BMP. Curators and other scientists will meet on a regular basis online, at scientific conferences, CGC meetings, Regional Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and Plant Germplasm Operations Committee meetings, providing many opportunities for consultation, information exchange, and idea formulation. All components of Hemp Genetic Resources Unit operations will be reviewed and documented as BMP with sufficient detail to reduce risk of any lapse in operations. Various pre-breeding approaches will be applied to newly acquired hemp genetic resources: materials will be screened for individuals segregating for critical priority traits and isolated as specific inventories. These materials will be used to develop populations used to map priority traits to genomic regions and identify causal genes regulating these traits. Additionally, select inventories will be targeted as inputs into partnering hemp research, breeding, and crop improvement programs to develop elite inbred lines or commercial hybrid cultivars.
Progress Report
Fiscal Year 2023 efforts substantially increased the genetic resources available to the hemp research community. Plant Genetics Resources Unit (PGRU) acquired 414 hemp accessions from 15 countries and distributed 1,236 seed samples to the hemp community. New accessions were tested for tetrahydrocannabinolic (THC) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) with high-performance liquid chromatography to verify regulatory compliance. Seven hemp accessions were regenerated in Geneva, New York, and 23 were regenerated by collaborators. Seven hemp accessions were backed up at NLGRP for long-term storage.
A coordinated multi-state effort to characterize newly acquired hemp germplasm across diverse field environments was started in Davis, California; Geneva, New York; Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Othello, Washington. At the Geneva trial location, 2,400 hemp plants representing 104 diverse accessions were evaluated for priority traits in raised beds. Comprehensive soil analyses were used to determine optimal nutrient amendments before planting the trial. Plant architecture, flowering date, and sex traits were recorded in the field using FieldBook. Flower, stem, and grain samples were collected for the evaluation of secondary metabolite profiles, seed, and fiber quality. Hemp accession field trial information including 75,000 datapoints of hemp accession information was added to Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)-Global.
Blackout tents were assembled to induce flowering in photoperiod sensitive hemp plants inside a greenhouse. Literature indicated that sprays of silver thiosulfate would induce male flowering in female plants. Using this technique, six female plants were sprayed with a silver thiosulfate solution to start inbred line development. Two hemp crosses were made between accessions with complementary priority traits.
Accomplishments
1. Hemp genetic resources expanded and characterized. A collection of highly genetically and geographically diverse collection of hemp genetic resources is essential to hemp cultivar development to meet various hemp industry needs. USDA-ARS Researchers in Geneva, New York, have substantially increased and characterized the genetic resources available to the hemp research community. The USDA-ARS hemp germplasm collection is now the largest hemp germplasm collection in the world, and the only hemp collection with substantial associated phenotypic data including cannabinoid profile and plant architectural traits. Characterization of newly acquired diverse hemp germplasm occurred in five unique environments resulting in over eleven-thousand data points being associated with to Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)-Global. Data was collected in accordance with the Hemp Phenotyping Handbook published by USDA. Additional phenotyping efforts were accomplished at the USDA Cotton Quality Laboratory in New Orleans, Louisianna, the USDA Agricultural Utilization Laboratory in Peoria, Illinois, and three state universities for fiber, secondary metabolite, and seed fatty acid/protein. This work will substantially intensify and accelerate hemp breeding and research efforts by providing access to highly characterized resources and allow public and private sector breeders to develop high-value and locally adapted genetic resources.
