Polygenic Terpene Expression

Polygenic terpene expression refers to the inheritance of aromatic compound profiles controlled by multiple genes rather than single genetic loci. This genetic architecture means terpene production—including limonene, myrcene, pinene, and other volatile compounds—results from the combined effects of numerous alleles across different chromosomes. Cannabis breeders working in this category often observe wide phenotypic variation in aroma and flavor even within stable cultivars, reflecting the quantitative nature of terpene biosynthesis. Lineage records frequently report that environmental factors (light, temperature, soil chemistry) significantly influence the ultimate terpene expression of genetically identical plants, demonstrating gene-environment interaction. Understanding polygenic terpene expression is essential for predictive breeding, as simple Mendelian inheritance models poorly e

Breeders leveraging polygenic terpene expression employ phenotypic selection across multiple generations and environmental conditions to stabilize desired aromatic profiles. Marker-assisted selection and genomic tools are increasingly used to identify and combine terpene-associated alleles from diverse parent lines.