Limonene Degradation

Limonene degradation refers to the chemical breakdown of limonene, a major monoterpene commonly found in cannabis cultivars, particularly those with citrus aromatics. This process occurs during drying, curing, storage, and exposure to heat, light, or oxygen, gradually converting limonene into secondary compounds. Understanding limonene stability is relevant to breeders and cultivators focused on terpene preservation, as degradation rates vary significantly across genotypes and environmental conditions. Some lineages demonstrate greater limonene retention during post-harvest handling, making this a tracked phenotypic trait in breeding programs. Degradation byproducts can include compounds like carveol and other oxidized monoterpenes, subtly altering the aromatic profile over time.

Breeders working with high-limonene cultivars often select for genetic traits that correlate with improved terpene stability during curing and storage. Preservation of limonene content is increasingly documented in breeding notes, particularly for cultivars marketed around citrus or fresh aromatics.