Efficient in vitro Micropropagation of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) genotype

In this study, an effective regeneration and micropropagation protocol was developed from segregating the F4 industrial hemp genotype Narlısaray. The apical shoot meristem and nodal (from different parts of the plant) explants were cultured at various concentrations of TDZ, BAP or Kin. Shoot regeneration was observed in all treatments, including the control treatment. The maximum number of shoots per explant (4.7) was obtained at 1.0 mg l⁻¹ TDZ, and was statistically different from 0.5 mg l⁻¹ (4.3) and 2.0 mg l⁻¹ TDZ (4.0). The longest shoots (6.5 cm) were recorded on 1.0 mg l-1 TDZ. The position of the nodal explant source on the plant also affected its regeneration ability. The 1st stem node explant was more responsive to in vitro regeneration than the 2nd stem node. All tested concentrations of IBA induced root regeneration, with frequencies ranging from 62.5% to 87.5%. The regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized, reaching a maximum survival rate of 66.7%. This propagation technique can contribute to future hemp rapid breeding programs.