Cannabis sativa: From Plants to Humans
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2024 | Viewed by 17578
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant physiology and biochemistry; functional analysis of genes; abiotic stress; oxidative stress; secondary metabolites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: metabolomics, primary and secondary metabolites, evolutionary metabolomics, biodiversity and plant genetic resources, genotype by environment interaction, cereals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In the last several years, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is experiencing renewed interest thanks to its multi-purpose application. Hemp plant is a natural source of fiber, and the hemp varieties grown for fiber are the most widely cultivated worldwide. Hemp fiber is the strongest and most durable form of natural fiber, and is useful for textiles, paper making or other industrial products, including construction materials and biofuels. More recent is the use of hemp derivatives in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The beneficial effects of hemp seeds on human health are receiving growing interest and the hemp flour and oil obtained from seeds are used in several foods of high nutritional value due to their high levels of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and lipids (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids). In addition, there are hemp varieties that are popular for their pharmacological and medical uses thanks to their high levels of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids. These latter are mainly represented by cannabidiol (CBD). CBD extracted from hemp flowers can help to reduce inflammation, and has shown promise as a treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and diseases of the central nervous system such as schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Hemp cultivation also holds many environmental benefits. This crop has a good resistance to drought and pests. For its ability to tolerate elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the soil, hemp has promising phytoremediation potential; its roots extend deeply into the soil, and this increases the capability of removing widespread contamination. Its well-developed root system also contributes to the prevention of soil erosion.
In this context, the present Special Issue aims to bring together contributions from scholars of different fields of expertise, including but not limited to agronomy, plant physiology and biochemistry, food technology, pharmaceutics and medicine, to promote outstanding research concerning all aspects of hemp cultivation and use.
Dr. Daniela Trono
Dr. Beleggia Romina
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Cannabis sativa
- hemp
- fiber
- biofuel
- cannabinoids
- nutritional quality
- health benefits
- phytoremediation
Planned Papers
The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.
Zamir K. Punja1, Nathan Johnson2, Punya Nachappa3, Ron Reade4 and Dieter Kahl4
1Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, Burnaby, BC, Canada
2Verne Bioanlytics, Southbridge, MA, USA
3Colorado State University, Department of Agricultural Biology, Fort Collins, CO, USA
4Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Station, Summerland, BC, Canada
Abstract
The increased cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. in North America, represented by both hemp and marijuana (cannabis), has been impacted by an increasing number of plant pathogens. These include fungi which destroy roots, stems and leaves, in some cases causing a build-up of populations and mycotoxins in the inflorescences that can negatively impact quality. Viroids and viruses have also increased in prevalence and severity and reduce plant growth and product quality. Rapid diagnosis of the occurrence and spread of these pathogens is critical. Techniques in the area of molecular diagnostics have been applied to study these pathogens. These include polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies such as RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, as well as whole genome sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics. Examples of how these technologies have enhanced the rapidity and sensitivity of pathogen diagnosis on cannabis and hemp will be discussed. These molecular tools have also enabled studies on the diversity and evolution of specific pathogens and these will be illustrated. Comparative studies on the genomics and metabolomics of healthy and diseased plants are urgently needed to demonstrate corresponding changes that can impact the quality and composition of cannabis and hemp-derived products.