Carotenoid Biosynthesis

Carotenoid biosynthesis refers to the metabolic pathways through which cannabis plants produce carotenoid pigments—including beta-carotene, lycopene, and xanthophyll compounds. These pigments contribute to the visual spectrum of cannabis flowers, from golden and orange hues to deeper reds and purples, particularly as plants mature or experience environmental stress. Carotenoids are synthesized from isoprene precursors and are found throughout plant tissues, though they are often masked by chlorophyll during vegetative growth. Understanding carotenoid production helps breeders select for specific phenotypic expression and color stability across generations. Genetic variation in carotenoid accumulation and retention remains an active area of horticultural breeding research.

Breeders working with carotenoid expression often select parent lines exhibiting consistent pigment intensity and color retention post-harvest. Carotenoid trait stabilization is valuable for visual consistency in seed catalogs and for maintaining cultivar identity across multiple harvests.