Stress Induced Secondary Metabolites

Stress-induced secondary metabolites (SISMs) are organic compounds plants produce in response to environmental pressures—drought, pest attack, UV exposure, or nutrient limitation. In cannabis breeding, these compounds include terpenes, cannabinoids, and phenolic compounds that emerge as defensive or adaptive mechanisms rather than baseline production. Breeders studying cultivar resilience often examine SISM profiles to understand how genetics influence plant survival and chemical output under stress conditions. Research into SISMs helps distinguish between constitutive (always-present) and induced chemical profiles across lineages. This framework is foundational to understanding phenotypic plasticity and how environmental conditions interact with genotype to shape final plant chemistry.

Breeders working in environmental stress tolerance programs monitor SISM expression to identify lines that upregulate desirable compounds under adversity. Understanding SISM triggers informs cultivation protocols and helps distinguish genetically stable chemotypes from stress-dependent chemical profiles.