Exploring the Role of Endophytes in <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. Polyploidy and Agricultural Trait Improvement

Abstract

Here, we examine the effects of ploidy variation in Cannabis sativa L. cell lines on the plant host genotype-associated microbiome. The endophytic microbiome has a protocooperative role in improving plant health and productivity and represents an alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides in sustainable agriculture. This study assessed the effects of seed endophytes on diploid and triploid Haze hemp cultivars. Key phenotypic characteristics were evaluated, revealing significant differences in seed germination in vitro as well as vegetative growth and flowering in phytotron conditions. Endophyte-treated triploid plants exhibited significantly taller heights compared to diploids (p p < 0.05). Both cultivars treated with endophytes exhibited a higher number of inflorescences compared to untreated control plants. This study revealed for the first time a direct correlation between the shifts in diameter of the stem and the biomass in both tested hemp hosts, in association with endophytic microbiomes.

Keywords

• <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.
• microbiome
• endophytes
• diploid
• triploid
• microbial communities