Phytohormone Breeding

Phytohormones are not terpenes, but rather plant signaling molecules (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid) that regulate growth, flowering, and stress response. In cannabis breeding, understanding phytohormone expression helps breeders select for desirable traits like flowering time, plant structure, and resilience. Breeders working in this category often study how genetic backgrounds influence hormone production and sensitivity. This knowledge is foundational to developing stable cultivars adapted to specific environments and cultivation methods.

Breeders leverage phytohormone genetics to stabilize flowering triggers, control internode spacing, and enhance stress tolerance across generations. Selecting parents with favorable hormone profiles can accelerate breeding toward phenotypes suited to indoor, outdoor, or hybrid production systems.