Circadian Terpene Regulation

Circadian terpene regulation refers to the time-dependent fluctuation of volatile compound production in cannabis plants across 24-hour light-dark cycles. Research suggests that terpene biosynthesis and emission patterns in cannabis may follow circadian rhythms, with certain volatile profiles peaking at specific times of day or night. This phenomenon has been documented in other aromatic plants, where regulatory mechanisms tied to light exposure, temperature, and internal biological clocks govern secondary metabolite production. For cannabis breeding, understanding circadian terpene dynamics remains an emerging area, with limited peer-reviewed literature specifically mapping daily terpene oscillations in cannabis flower or foliage. Breeders interested in harvest timing optimization and consistent volatile profiles are beginning to investigate whether cultivar-level differences in circadi

Breeders working in phenotype stability and post-harvest consistency are exploring whether selecting for consistent terpene profiles across different harvest times may require attention to circadian expression patterns. Understanding circadian regulation could inform cultivation protocols and selective breeding for cultivars with minimal time-of-harvest volatility in aromatic profiles.