Development of tailored non psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. genotypes in half-sib seed progeny segregation generation...

Cannabis sativa L. is emerging as a versatile crop with significant potential to contribute to nutritional resilience in agricultural systems. This study examines the genetic diversity and phytochemical profiles of 61 accessions, including the parental line CIM-CS-64 and its 60 half-sib progenies. This study evaluates the genetic and phytochemical diversity of Cannabis sativa L. accession CIM-CS-64 and its 60 half-sib progenies to develop non-psychoactive genotypes compliant with regulatory standards (<0.3 % THC). Morphometric analysis revealed significant variability, with CIM-CS-64-4 excelling in plant height, canopy, branching, inflorescence count, and seed yield. Cannabinoid profiling showed total CBD ranging from 0.57 % to 2.76 % (mean 1.63 %) and total THC from 0.074 % to 1.92 %, enabling classification into hemp-type (50 %) and drug-type (50 %) chemotypes. Terpene analysis identified dominant compounds (myrcene, limonene) with synergistic potential. Cluster analysis highlighted 27 elite progenies with low THC and high CBD, ideal for sustainable breeding programs targeting nutritional and therapeutic applications.