Arbuscular Mycorrhizae

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are not technically terpenes, but rather symbiotic fungi that colonize plant root systems and are frequently discussed in cannabis cultivation genetics and soil microbiome literature. These fungal associations are commonly associated with enhanced nutrient uptake and root development in cannabis breeding programs. Breeders working in organic and regenerative cultivation often select for plant genetics that readily form these fungal partnerships. The relationship between host plant genetics and mycorrhizal colonization efficiency represents an emerging area in cannabis genetics research, though mechanisms remain incompletely characterized.

Cannabis breeders interested in soil health and reduced nutrient input have begun documenting strain-level variation in mycorrhizal responsiveness. Selecting for genetic traits that support robust AM colonization may offer advantages in sustainable cultivation systems, though this remains an understudied aspect of cannabis genetics compared to terpene or cannabinoid profiles.