Sesquiterpene Loci

Sesquiterpenes are C₁₅ volatile compounds that arise from farnesyl pyrophosphate precursors in cannabis terpene biosynthesis. This chemical family includes beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, beta-myrcene (C₁₅ pathway), and nerolidol—compounds commonly associated with woody, spicy, herbal, or earthy aromatic notes. Genetic loci controlling sesquiterpene synthase expression and substrate availability vary across cannabis populations, creating phenotypic diversity in aromatic profiles. Sesquiterpene abundance is influenced by both nuclear genes and environmental factors including light spectrum, temperature, and harvest timing. Breeders frequently assess sesquiterpene ratios as part of chemotype classification and strain differentiation work.

Cannabis breeders monitor sesquiterpene loci to stabilize aromatic profiles across generations and to develop cultivars with predictable terpene expression. Marker-assisted selection for sesquiterpene synthase alleles enables targeted breeding for specific aroma families without relying solely on phenotypic observation.