The Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. Development and Production of Secondary Metabolites: A Review
Water-deficit stress is typically viewed as detrimental to agricultural yields. It has been found to enhance secondary metabolite concentrations in certain essential oil-producing plants, including <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. Cannabis is a versatile plant from the Cannabaceae family which...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Horticulturae |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/6/646 |
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| Summary: | Water-deficit stress is typically viewed as detrimental to agricultural yields. It has been found to enhance secondary metabolite concentrations in certain essential oil-producing plants, including <i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. Cannabis is a versatile plant from the Cannabaceae family which is used for its fibers, seeds, and bioactive compounds, including medicinal and recreational cannabinoids. Furthermore, it exhibits significant metabolic shifts under water-deficit stress conditions, which may impact the production of these resources. This review explores the physiological mechanisms underlying the metabolic responses of cannabis to water-deficit stress, focusing on how water-deficit stress could promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Water-deficit stress induces metabolic changes in cannabis, leading to secondary metabolite accumulation. Water shortages cause stomatal closure, significantly reducing CO<sub>2</sub> uptake and fixation via the Calvin cycle and leading to an oversupply of NADPH+H<sup>+</sup>. This oversupply allows metabolic processes to shift toward synthesizing highly reduced compounds, such as secondary metabolites. Overall, the literature suggests that the controlled application of water-deficit stress during cannabis cultivation can enhance cannabinoid quality and yields, offering a practical strategy for optimizing plant productivity while addressing current knowledge gaps in metabolic signaling pathways. |
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| ISSN: | 2311-7524 |