Diurnal Terpene Expression

Diurnal terpene expression refers to the daily fluctuation in volatile compound profiles that cannabis plants produce in response to circadian rhythms and environmental cycles. Terpene concentrations typically peak during specific times of day—often in early morning or late afternoon—driven by temperature swings, light intensity, and the plant's internal biological clock. This phenomenon has been documented in cannabis research and in other aromatic plants, where secondary metabolite production follows predictable temporal patterns. Breeders and cultivators studying this trait recognize that harvest timing, drying conditions, and storage temperature can all influence the final terpene profile captured in finished material. Understanding diurnal expression patterns is relevant to consistent breeding goals and cultivation standardization.

Breeders working with terpene-focused selection programs increasingly recognize diurnal expression as a variable that affects phenotype stability and aroma consistency across generations. Controlling or documenting this trait helps establish more reproducible cannabinoid and terpene profiles in cultivar development.