common and widely used strains for production by seed companies would allow for
accurate investigations of genetic diversity withinCannabis sativato be made.
Sequence characterization of a larger number of strains is required. The other
intriguing aspect that requires further in-depth research is the molecular basis for
the development of male and female plants and the characterization of the under-
lying mechanisms. These studies would shed light on the role of sex chromosomes
and the regulatory gene sequences that guidefloral development and phenotypic
expression of male and/or female sex.
Fig. 19.13PCR detection of
male and female plants in
marihuana. Male plants
consistently showed the
presence of 2 bands (560 and
390 bp in size) while female
plants have only one band
(560 bp).Upper panelLanes
8 and 10 are male plants.
Middle panelLane 8 is a male
plant.Lower panelLanes 2 , 3 ,
6 , 7 , andMare male plants
414 Z.K. Punja et al.