In the burgeoning world of industrial hemp, a groundbreaking study has shed new light on the genetic potential of this versatile crop, with significant implications for the energy sector. Researchers from the Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University and the Institute of Bast Crops of the NAAS of Ukraine have delved into the combinational abilities of various hemp varieties, paving the way for enhanced seed productivity and oil content.
The study, led by С. В. Міщенко, focuses on the total combining ability (TCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of maternal components and test varieties of monoecious hemp. By crossing nine hemp varieties and their self-pollinated lines with three test varieties, the researchers aimed to identify the best genetic combinations for seed and oil production.
The results, published in the journal Plant Varieties Studying and Protection, reveal significant differentiation among the varieties and their lines. “The highest specific combining ability was observed in the maternal forms of ‘Aphrodita’, I4 ‘Aphrodita’, I4 ‘Demetra’ and I4 ‘Hlukhivski 51’ and the tester variety ‘Aphina’,” noted Міщенко. This finding underscores the potential of these varieties as superior crossing components in hybrid breeding programs.
The study also highlights the predominance of additive gene effects in terms of thousand-seed weight and oil content, suggesting that phenotype selection could be highly effective. In contrast, non-additive effects prevail in inflorescence length and seed weight, indicating the need for genotype selection. This dual approach could revolutionize breeding strategies, leading to more efficient and productive hemp cultivars.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly exciting. Hemp oil is a valuable biofuel source, and improving seed productivity and oil content could significantly boost biofuel production. Moreover, the study’s insights into combining abilities could enhance the development of high-yielding, energy-rich hemp varieties, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
The research also provides a forecast for the effectiveness of selection in hybrid populations, offering a roadmap for future breeding efforts. By leveraging the identified genetic potentials, breeders can develop hemp varieties that not only meet but exceed current productivity standards.
As the demand for sustainable energy sources continues to grow, this study offers a beacon of hope. By unlocking the genetic secrets of hemp, we can harness its full potential, creating a greener, more energy-efficient world. The journey from seed to energy is a complex one, but with research like this, the path becomes clearer and more promising.