Performance of industrial hemp cultivars across U.S. Midwestern environments: evidence from multi-location trials in Missouri

Introduction Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) is a crop of considerable industrial, environmental, and economic importance due to its multipurpose applications and sustainability potential. However, following an initial surge in interest after legalization in the United States, hemp production has declined in recent years, highlighting the continued need for region-specific adaptability and cultivar performance data, particularly in the U.S. Midwestern production region. Methods Thirty-two industrial hemp cultivars, comprising fiber-type and dual-purpose genotypes, were evaluated across three agro-ecological regions in Missouri over three consecutive growing seasons (2021–2023). Key agronomic traits, including emergence rate, plant height, stem diameter, biomass, flowering time, and fiber yield, were assessed to determine cultivar suitability under southern U.S Midwestern growing conditions. An optimized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was employed to rapidly and precisely quantify eleven cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Results Substantial variability in cultivar performance was observed across locations and years. The fiber cultivar Jinma consistently exhibited robust establishment, high biomass production, and superior fiber yields ranging from 6 to 12 Mg ha –1 , although it displayed relatively late flowering. Among dual-purpose cultivars, Futura 83 demonstrated a favorable balance of relatively early flowering, vigorous growth, and competitive fiber and seed yields, indicating suitability for diversified production systems. Cannabinoid analysis confirmed that all cultivars maintained total THC concentrations well below the legal threshold of 0.3%, with minimal variation across environments. Discussion The findings provide critical insights into genotype × environment interactions and confirm the genetic stability of cannabinoid profiles across diverse agro-ecological conditions. Jinma, Futura 83, and Fibror 79 were identified as top-performing cultivars with strong potential for commercial production under Missouri’s climatic conditions. These results support strategic cultivar selection and advance efforts toward the reintroduction and expansion of industrial hemp production in the U.S. Midwest, while also providing a valuable foundation for broader multi-state comparisons.