Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Tags: Cannabis Genomics, Cannabis Genetics, Cannabinoid Gene Editing, Terpenes, Flavanoids, Novel Traits
Michael Petersen, Senior Scientist at @UniversityofWisconsinExtension
(University of Wisconsin-Madison Crop Innovation Center) presents, "Creation of Novel Traits Through Genetic Engineering and Editing of Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Flavonoid Pathways in Cannabis sativa" at CannMed 2025.
A Meristem-based, genotype independent transformation system for Cannabis sativa has been established at the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC). DNA delivery in this system is primarily via Agrobacterium, however a biolistics approach has also been demonstrated. Germline transformation, with transmission of stable traits to T1 progeny, has been confirmed empirically via tdTomato imaging, RUBY expression, GUS staining of T1 progeny and further validated via PCR assays for several other genes of interest. Hundreds of independent T0 events, along with their multi-generational progeny, have been produced and analyzed from multiple genotypes. We have clearly demonstrated our germline transformation protocol has enabled both engineering and a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to successfully knockout or alter key genes in the cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid pathways in Type III cannabis plants. In addition to these pathways, work in powdery mildew and hop latent resistance, trichome density, yield, and other traits have also progressed. Transgenic or edited lines showing elimination, reduced, and increased amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and putative lines for powdery mildew resistance will be discussed. Our successful engineering and gene editing protocols open the door for future metabolic engineering of Cannabis sativa to fully leverage the potential of this emerging crop species.
Learning Objectives:
⦾ Cannabis transformation process
⦾ New traits created through gene editing and engineering
0:00 - Introduction to the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center
0:31 - The WCIC and its Hemp Team
1:58 - Genetic Engineering and Editing at the WCIC
3:33 - The Challenge of Cannabis Genetic Transformation
4:56 - The Meristem-Based Transformation Method
7:28 - Antibiotic Selection and Stable Plant Creation
8:43 - Meristem Method Statistics and Genotype Independence
10:42 - Using Morphogenic Genes for Transformation
12:36 - Visual Examples of Gene Editing Success
13:31 - Creating a True THC-Free Hemp Line
15:36 - Pathway Targeting: Making a Cannabinoid-Free Line
17:43 - Modifying Flavonoid Pathways
19:54 - Overexpressing Transcription Factors to Change Flavonoids
21:25 - Developing Powdery Mildew Resistance Hemp Strains
24:45 - The Potential for Terpene Profile Modification
26:51 - Other Ongoing Research: Yield, Minor Cannabinoids, and Fiber
28:11 - Seeking Research Partners and the Future of the Industry
Learn More about CannMed: cannmedevents.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter: share.hsforms.com/1oi57oJDnRN-Uqqc9YPByRA20xr2
The CannMed 25 Innovation & Investment Summit showcased its first international venue, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort in Puerto Rico from June 17 - 20, 2025. Since its inception at Harvard Medical School in 2016, CannMed has earned a reputation as the premier destination for cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and investment opportunities. CannMed 25 continues this tradition with medicinal plant researchers, clinicians and venture capitalists who view this Summit as the industry’s number one showcase for the latest advances in plant-based science, medicine, cultivation, and safety.
Tags: Cannabis Genomics, Cannabis Genetics, Cannabinoid Gene Editing, Terpenes, Flavanoids, Novel Traits
Michael Petersen, Senior Scientist at @UniversityofWisconsinExtension
(University of Wisconsin-Madison Crop Innovation Center) presents, "Creation of Novel Traits Through Genetic Engineering and Editing of Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Flavonoid Pathways in Cannabis sativa" at CannMed 2025.
A Meristem-based, genotype independent transformation system for Cannabis sativa has been established at the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC). DNA delivery in this system is primarily via Agrobacterium, however a biolistics approach has also been demonstrated. Germline transformation, with transmission of stable traits to T1 progeny, has been confirmed empirically via tdTomato imaging, RUBY expression, GUS staining of T1 progeny and further validated via PCR assays for several other genes of interest. Hundreds of independent T0 events, along with their multi-generational progeny, have been produced and analyzed from multiple genotypes. We have clearly demonstrated our germline transformation protocol has enabled both engineering and a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to successfully knockout or alter key genes in the cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid pathways in Type III cannabis plants. In addition to these pathways, work in powdery mildew and hop latent resistance, trichome density, yield, and other traits have also progressed. Transgenic or edited lines showing elimination, reduced, and increased amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and putative lines for powdery mildew resistance will be discussed. Our successful engineering and gene editing protocols open the door for future metabolic engineering of Cannabis sativa to fully leverage the potential of this emerging crop species.
Learning Objectives:
⦾ Cannabis transformation process
⦾ New traits created through gene editing and engineering
0:00 - Introduction to the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center
0:31 - The WCIC and its Hemp Team
1:58 - Genetic Engineering and Editing at the WCIC
3:33 - The Challenge of Cannabis Genetic Transformation
4:56 - The Meristem-Based Transformation Method
7:28 - Antibiotic Selection and Stable Plant Creation
8:43 - Meristem Method Statistics and Genotype Independence
10:42 - Using Morphogenic Genes for Transformation
12:36 - Visual Examples of Gene Editing Success
13:31 - Creating a True THC-Free Hemp Line
15:36 - Pathway Targeting: Making a Cannabinoid-Free Line
17:43 - Modifying Flavonoid Pathways
19:54 - Overexpressing Transcription Factors to Change Flavonoids
21:25 - Developing Powdery Mildew Resistance Hemp Strains
24:45 - The Potential for Terpene Profile Modification
26:51 - Other Ongoing Research: Yield, Minor Cannabinoids, and Fiber
28:11 - Seeking Research Partners and the Future of the Industry
Learn More about CannMed: cannmedevents.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter: share.hsforms.com/1oi57oJDnRN-Uqqc9YPByRA20xr2
The CannMed 25 Innovation & Investment Summit showcased its first international venue, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort in Puerto Rico from June 17 - 20, 2025. Since its inception at Harvard Medical School in 2016, CannMed has earned a reputation as the premier destination for cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and investment opportunities. CannMed 25 continues this tradition with medicinal plant researchers, clinicians and venture capitalists who view this Summit as the industry’s number one showcase for the latest advances in plant-based science, medicine, cultivation, and safety.
