Ethephon induced feminisation of Cannabis sativa
We used comparative RNA-seq and metabolite analysis on floral tissue to explore the regulation of male-to-female sex reversion and changes in secondary metabolite production induced by the ethylene donor ethephon. Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG) analysis revealed significant alterations in class B and E floral homeotic gene homologue expression early in the flowering phase, which pointed to their direct role in forming unisexual flowers in Cannabis. Metabolite analysis indicated a higher proportion of sesquiterpenes and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) in the induced female flowers compared to non-induced female flowers. Combined with a morphological comparison of trichomes, the secondary metabolite profiles indicated a preferential development of sessile trichomes via upregulation of a GLABRA1 homologue. This study enhances our understanding of ethylene-driven sex-regulation and its link to secondary metabolite accumulation in Cannabis sativa.