Plant Secondary Metabolism
Plant secondary metabolism refers to the biochemical pathways that produce compounds beyond those required for basic growth and reproduction—including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In cannabis, these metabolites accumulate in trichomes and represent the chemical diversity breeders select for across lineages. Secondary metabolism is influenced by genetics, environmental stress, nutrient availability, and developmental stage, making it a key variable in breeding programs. Understanding these pathways helps breeders predict which offspring may express desired terpene profiles or cannabinoid ratios. This metabolic complexity is why phenotypic variation persists even within stable cultivars.
Plant Secondary Metabolism strains
No strains tagged into Plant Secondary Metabolism yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this aroma.
Plant secondary metabolism refers to the biochemical pathways that produce compounds beyond those required for basic growth and reproduction—including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In cannabis, these metabolites accumulate in trichomes and represent the chemical diversity breeders select for across lineages. Secondary metabolism is influenced by genetics, environmental stress, nutrient availability, and developmental stage, making it a key variable in breeding programs. Understanding these pathways helps breeders predict which offspring may express desired terpene profiles or cannabinoid ratios. This metabolic complexity is why phenotypic variation persists even within stable cultivars.
Breeders studying secondary metabolism can identify parent plants with robust terpene or cannabinoid production and select for heritable traits across generations. Environmental triggers—light spectrum, temperature, soil composition—also shape expression, allowing breeders to test metabolic potential under controlled conditions.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims