Cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores in L.

In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists, research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids as medicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates. Very little is known about the adaptive value of cannabinoid production, though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, and herbivores. To test the prediction that genotypes with greater concentrations of cannabinoids will have reduced herbivory, a segregating F population of was leveraged to conduct lab- and field-based bioassays investigating the function of cannabinoids in mediating interactions with chewing herbivores.

Genetic Mapping, Identification, and Characterization of a Candidate Susceptibility Gene for Powdery Mildew in .

Powdery mildew (PM) in is most frequently caused by the biotrophic fungus . Based on previously characterized variation in susceptibility to PM, biparental populations were developed by crossing the most resistant cultivar evaluated, 'FL 58', with a susceptible cultivar, 'TJ's CBD'. F progeny were evaluated and displayed a range of susceptibility, and two were self-pollinated to generate two F populations.