Genotype-dependent In Vitro Floral Induction and Reversion in Moroccan Cannabis sativa L. Varieties under Zeatin, Gibberellic Acid, and Thidiazuron Treatments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13044Keywords:
Micropropagation, In vitro flowering, Floral reversion, Zeatin, Gibberellic acid, Thidiazuron, Cannabis sativa, Genotype response, Phytohormone signalingAbstract
Micropropagation of Cannabis sativa L. offers an efficient way to produce uniform plants while enabling precise control of vegetative growth and flowering in vitro, where induction and reversion are shaped by genotype and plant growth regulators. Two Moroccan Cannabis sativa varieties Beldia and Khardala were cultured in vitro on MS/2 medium supplemented with macronutrients to assess the effects of ZEN, GA₃, and TDZ (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mg L⁻¹) on vegetative growth, floral induction, and floral reversion. Significant genotype-dependent responses were observed. Vegetative growth was optimized in Beldia under ZEN and GA₃, reaching 9.17 nodes, whereas Khardala responded best to low TDZ concentrations with 7.21 nodes. Floral induction under GA₃ reached 50% in Beldia and 42% in Khardala, indicating a genotype-specific sensitivity to growth regulators. In contrast, floral reversion was most pronounced in Khardala, with 75% reversion associated. Rooting was maximized with 1 mg L⁻¹ IBA, achieving 95.8% rooting in Beldia and 87.5% in Khardala, while survival rate after acclimatization exceeded 94%. Phytohormone type and concentration were shown to strongly influence genotype-specific growth and flowering in Cannabis sativa, providing a practical basis for developing in vitro propagation and floral induction protocols for Moroccan varieties.
HIGHLIGHTS
- First report of in vitro floral induction and reversion in Moroccan Cannabis sativa
- Clear genotype-dependent hormonal responses were identified between Beldia and Khardala.
- Zeatin, gibberellic acid, and thidiazuron exert distinct and dose-dependent effects on flowering behavior.
- Optimal hormone concentrations were identified within the tested range to enhance vegetative growth and reproductive transition.
- An efficient rooting and acclimatization protocol ensured high post-culture survival of plantlets.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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