Terpene Flavonoid Interaction

Terpene-flavonoid interaction describes the biochemical relationship between volatile aromatic compounds (terpenes) and non-volatile polyphenolic molecules (flavonoids) in cannabis flower and leaf tissue. Both classes are secondary metabolites that develop alongside cannabinoids, and their co-expression patterns are shaped by genetics, environmental stress, and tissue maturation. Breeders and researchers have observed that certain terpene profiles often co-occur with specific flavonoid signatures, suggesting shared or linked biosynthetic pathways. Understanding these interactions helps explain variation in aroma complexity, color development, and overall chemotype expression across cultivars and lineages.

Breeders working with this trait category often select for phenotypes showing complementary terpene-flavonoid ratios to achieve desired aroma depth and visual appeal. Stabilizing these interactions across generations requires attention to flowering time, light exposure, and post-harvest handling, as both compound classes are sensitive to environmental variables.