News: Researchers Develop New Platform To Expand Genetic Diversity In Cannabis.

Published 12:00 AM EST, Fri Oct 24, 2025 Using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as a mutagen, the researchers generated 1,633 M2 cannabis families, forming the basis of the TILLCANN platform. To demonstrate the utility of the resource, they conducted TILLING-by-Sequencing (TbyS) on 512 M2 families, focusing on genes with key agronomic and biochemical functions.

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Researchers at CRAG, in collaboration with the John Innes Centre (UK) and Front Range Biosciences (USA), have developed TILLCANN, the first publicly available mutant resource for Cannabis sativa. Published in Molecular Horticulture, this breakthrough represents a major step in cannabis genomics—offering an open-access platform to expand genetic diversity and accelerate trait discovery for both medicinal and industrial applications.

Through an optimized mutagenesis and mutation detection protocol, the team generated over 1,600 EMS-induced M2 cannabis families and applied TILLING-by-Sequencing (TbyS) to identify mutations in key genes related to cannabinoid biosynthesis, trichome development, and leaf morphology. Among their findings were mutations affecting the TCP4 transcription factor, which influenced leaflet number and plant architecture, and functional changes in CsOLS1, a gene tied to cannabinoid synthesis, offering potential for tailoring THC levels across different cannabis markets.

The TILLCANN platform now serves as a valuable tool for both forward and reverse genetics, enabling researchers to rapidly link genetic mutations to observable traits. This facilitates deeper studies into essential characteristics like flowering time, disease resistance, seed productivity, and fibre quality—key factors for developing next-generation cannabis varieties adapted to diverse commercial and environmental needs.

Until now, genetic improvement in cannabis has been constrained by narrow breeding pools and legal restrictions. This publicly accessible platform democratizes access to genetic resources, empowering breeders, researchers, and biotech firms to innovate with greater precision. By unlocking new avenues for strain development, TILLCANN could help accelerate the creation of cultivars optimized for pharmaceuticals, sustainable materials, and nutrition—ushering in a new era of evidence-driven cannabis improvement.

Source: MMJDaily