Secondary Metabolites
Secondary metabolites are organic compounds produced by cannabis plants beyond primary growth and reproduction, including terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. These compounds develop through complex biochemical pathways and accumulate in trichomes and plant tissues. Secondary metabolites are often the focus of breeding programs because their profiles vary significantly between cultivars and are heritable traits. In cannabis genetics, breeders track secondary metabolite expression to select for specific aromatic profiles, potency characteristics, and plant vigor. Understanding secondary metabolite production helps geneticists map which genes control aroma and flavor compound synthesis across different strain families.
Secondary Metabolites strains
No strains tagged into Secondary Metabolites yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this aroma.
Secondary metabolites are organic compounds produced by cannabis plants beyond primary growth and reproduction, including terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. These compounds develop through complex biochemical pathways and accumulate in trichomes and plant tissues. Secondary metabolites are often the focus of breeding programs because their profiles vary significantly between cultivars and are heritable traits. In cannabis genetics, breeders track secondary metabolite expression to select for specific aromatic profiles, potency characteristics, and plant vigor. Understanding secondary metabolite production helps geneticists map which genes control aroma and flavor compound synthesis across different strain families.
Breeders use secondary metabolite profiling to select parent plants with desirable terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, and phenotypic stability. Selective breeding over generations can enhance or suppress secondary metabolite production, allowing development of consistent chemotypes within cultivar lines.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims