Myrcene Suppression

Myrcene Suppression refers to cannabis breeding lines selected for notably low myrcene terpene expression relative to their cannabinoid profile. Rather than the common high-myrcene phenotypes associated with many modern cultivars, these genetics intentionally minimize myrcene biosynthesis while preserving other terpene and cannabinoid pathways. This trait family emerged as breeders sought structural diversity in the terpene palette, creating alternatives for growers and researchers studying non-myrcene-dominant chemotypes. Myrcene suppression requires selective breeding across multiple generations to stabilize reduced myrcene expression. These lines remain understudied compared to dominant terpene families, making them valuable for genetic mapping and breeding experimentation.

Breeders working in this category use myrcene-suppressed lines as crossing partners to lower myrcene in hybrid offspring while potentially elevating other volatile profiles. These genetics are particularly useful for producing chemotype diversity and for researchers investigating how terpene ratios affect plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation.