Limonene Phenotype

Limonene phenotype refers to cannabis plants expressing elevated levels of the monoterpene limonene, a compound commonly associated with citrus aromatics. Plants exhibiting this phenotype are frequently identified through gas chromatography and sensory evaluation during breeding programs. Limonene production is polygenic, influenced by both genetic background and environmental factors including temperature and light exposure during flowering. Breeders working in this category often select parent plants showing consistent limonene expression across generations. This phenotype has become a target trait in many modern cultivar development programs, particularly among lines derived from Sour Diesel, Lemon Haze, and related citrus-forward lineages. Environmental stability of limonene expression remains an important consideration for commercial seed producers.

Breeders use limonene phenotype selection to develop stable, citrus-aromatic cultivar lines with predictable terpene profiles. Marker-assisted selection and progeny testing help identify and fix this trait across seed generations.