Swinging both ways – the genetic control of sex expression in hemp . Hemp is an emerging Australian crop that produces high-quality edible oils and plant-based protein from seeds. Hemp typically has

Description

Swinging both ways – the genetic control of sex expression in hemp . Hemp is an emerging Australian crop that produces high-quality edible oils and plant-based protein from seeds. Hemp typically has separate male and female plants, with 50% of the crop being males that don’t produce seed, causing low and variable yields. This project will characterize novel sex-determining genetic factors in hemp, allowing us to modify male plants so they produce seed in addition to pollen. Project outcomes include new knowledge on hemp sex expression, novel hemp crop technologies and associated germplasm that will deliver significant increases to seed yields of up to 50%. The improved crop performance will speed up adoption of hemp, enhance profitability for farmers and reduce cost of hempseed products for consumers.. Scheme: Linkage Projects. Field: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production. Lead: Prof Tobias Kretzschmar