ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cannabis is a historically, culturally, and economically significant crop in human societies, owing to its versatile applications in both industry and medicine. Over many years, native cannabis populations have acclimated to the various environments found throughout Iran, resulting in rich genetic and phenotypic diversity. Examining phenotypic diversity within and between indigenous populations is crucial for effective plant breeding programs. This study aimed to classify indigenous cannabis populations in Iran to meet the needs of breeders and breeding programs in developing new cultivars. RESULTS: Here, we assessed phenotypic diversity in 25 indigenous populations based on 12 phenological and 14 morphological traits in male and female plants. The extent of heritability for each parameter was estimated in both genders, and relationships between quantitative and time-based traits were explored. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified traits influencing population distinctions. Overall, populations were broadly classified into early, medium, and late flowering groups. The highest extent of heritability of phenological traits was found in Start Flower Formation Time in Individuals (SFFI) for females (0.91) Flowering Time 50% in Individuals (50% of bracts formed) (FT50I) for males (0.98). Populations IR7385 and IR2845 exhibited the highest commercial index (60%). Among male plants, the highest extent of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was observed in the IR2845 population (0.122 g.g- 1.day- 1). Finally, populations were clustered into seven groups according to the morphological traits in female and male plants. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, significant phenotypic diversity was observed among indigenous populations, emphasizing the potential for various applications. Early-flowering populations, with their high RGR and Harvest Index (HI), were found as promising options for inclusion in breeding programs. The findings provide valuable insights into harnessing the genetic diversity of indigenous cannabis for diverse purposes.
Subject(s)
Cannabis , Humans , Female , Male , Cannabis/genetics , Iran , Plant Breeding , Phenotype , ReproductionABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Z. multiflora essential oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (ZE-SLNs) were prepared to improve its efficiency in controlling some fungal pathogens. SLNs containing Z. multiflora essential oil were prepared by high shear homogenization and ultra sound technique. ZEO-SLNs contained 0.03% ZEO in 5% of lipid phase (Glyceryl monostearate-GMS and Precirol® ATO 5). Tween 80 and Poloxamer 188 (2.5% w/v) were used as surfactant in the aqueous phase. The antifungal efficacy of ZE-SLNs and ZEO was compared under in vitro conditions. RESULTS: The particle size of ZE-SLNs was around 255.5±3 nm with PDI of 0.369±0.05 and zeta potential was about -37.8±0.8 mV. Encapsulation efficacy of ZE-SLNs in crystalline form was 84±0.92%. The results showed that the ZEO and ZE-SLNs had 54 and 79% inhibition on the growth of fungal pathogens, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) under in vitro conditions for the ZEO on the fungal pathogens of Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Rhizopus stolonifer was 300, 200, 300, 200, 200 and 200 ppm, respectively, for ZE-SLNs, it was 200, 200, 200, 100, 50 and 50 ppm. The antifungal efficacy of ZE-SLNs was significantly more than ZEO. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the SLNs were suitable carriers for Z. multiflora essential oil in controlling the fungal pathogens and merits further investigation.
