Inducing Somatic Embryogenesis in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Tissue Callus

Abstract

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a versatile plant known for its many uses. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the cultivation of hemp. The objective of this study was to use two specific strains of industrial hemp, Cherry and Cherry Blossom, for attempting somatic embryogenesis using plant tissue culture technology. Explants from both strains were placed on specific media to attempt callus generation. Both strains of hemp produced callus; however, the Cherry Blossom explants had a higher rate of callus production than the Cherry explants. This could have been due to the fact that the soil pH was not optimal for plant growth when the Cherry explants were transferred. The callus was transferred to five different liquid suspension cultures with varying amounts of plant hormones. Two out of the five liquid suspension cultures generated plant embryos in both strains of industrial hemp that were used. Some of the callus was unable to produce embryos, and this was more than likely due to the specific liquid suspension medium being used. The embryos failed to generate plantlets when placed on a nutrient medium. Further research should be done using the plant embryos to produce plantlets.