At GTR Seeds, science isn't just something we talk about. It's the foundation of our breeding program.
Our team has spent years studying cannabis genetics, cannabinoid production, disease resistance, flowering behavior, and polyploidy. Along the way, we've contributed to numerous scientific publications, including a landmark cannabis pangenome study published in Nature, one of the world's most respected scientific journals.
We're proud to have worked alongside researchers and universities to advance our understanding of Cannabis sativa. And we're even more excited about putting that knowledge to work developing better cannabis seeds.
Below are some of the scientific publications our team has contributed to, along with independent university research featuring our genetics.
Cannabis Genetics and the Nature Pangenome Study
One of our most exciting scientific collaborations resulted in the publication of Domesticated Cannabinoid Synthases Amid a Wild Mosaic Cannabis Pangenome in Nature in 2025.
This multi-year collaboration assembled and analyzed 193 cannabis genomes, revealing an enormous amount of previously undocumented genetic diversity.
The research provided important insights into cannabinoid synthase genes, cannabis domestication, sex chromosomes, and genetic variation associated with cannabinoid production.
For breeders like us, this information is incredibly valuable. Better understanding the genetic mechanisms behind cannabinoid production allows us to make more informed breeding decisions and develop varieties with more predictable characteristics.
And perhaps best of all, this research is publicly available for other scientists and breeders to build upon.
Our Published Cannabis Research
Our team's scientific contributions cover a wide range of subjects, from cannabinoid genetics and disease resistance to polyploid breeding and flowering behavior.
Cannabis Genetics, Cannabinoids, and Polyploidy
1. Domesticated Cannabinoid Synthases Amid a Wild Mosaic Cannabis Pangenome
Nature, 2025
One of the most comprehensive cannabis genomic studies published to date, exploring genetic diversity, cannabinoid synthase evolution, and the complex history of cannabis domestication.
2. Characteristics of Diploid, Triploid, and Tetraploid Versions of a Cannabigerol-Dominant F2 Hybrid Industrial Hemp Cultivar (Cannabis sativa Stem Cell CBG)
Genes
This study compared diploid, triploid, and tetraploid cannabis plants to better understand how chromosome number influences plant development and reproductive characteristics.
The findings are particularly relevant to our ongoing development of triploid cannabis seeds, which offer greatly reduced fertility and improved protection against unwanted seed production.
3. SNP in a Potentially Defunct Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Synthase as a Marker for Cannabigerolic Acid Dominance in Cannabis sativa L.
Genes
This research identified a genetic marker associated with CBG-dominant cannabis, providing valuable information for breeders developing varieties with predictable cannabinoid profiles.
4. Comparison of Recombination Rate, Reference Bias, and Unique Pangenomic Haplotypes in Cannabis sativa Using Seven De Novo Genome Assemblies
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
An examination of genetic variation across multiple cannabis genome assemblies, helping researchers better understand the complexity and diversity of the cannabis genome.
Cannabis Disease Resistance and Flowering Genetics
5. Discovery and Genetic Mapping of PM1, a Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene in Cannabis sativa L.
Frontiers in Agronomy
Powdery mildew is one of the most common and destructive pathogens affecting cannabis cultivation. This research identified and mapped a gene associated with resistance, offering valuable tools for developing more resilient cannabis varieties.
6. Genetic Mapping, Identification, and Characterization of a Candidate Susceptibility Gene for Powdery Mildew in Cannabis sativa
Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
This study investigated genetic factors that influence susceptibility to powdery mildew, expanding our understanding of how cannabis plants interact with this widespread pathogen.
7. First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces ambrosiae on Cannabis sativa in Oregon
Plant Disease
This publication documented an important powdery mildew pathogen affecting cannabis in Oregon, contributing to our understanding of disease identification and management.
8. Genetic Mapping of NSP Markers and Candidate Genes Associated with Day-Neutral Flowering in Cannabis sativa L.
bioRxiv — Research Preprint
This research explores the genetics behind day-neutral, or autoflowering, cannabis. Understanding the genes responsible for flowering behavior can help breeders develop varieties with more predictable maturity and growth characteristics.
Additional Scientific Contributions
Our team's scientific backgrounds extend beyond cannabis breeding, including genomics and agricultural economics.
9. A Draft Reference Assembly of the Psilocybe cubensis Genome
F1000Research
Genome assembly research demonstrating the broader sequencing and genomic expertise of our scientific collaborators.
10. Estimating the Quasi-Underground Oregon's Informal Marijuana Economy
HJSR
Research examining the economic dimensions of Oregon's informal cannabis industry and its broader implications.
Explore Our Scientific Publications and Research Manuscripts
Independent University Research Featuring GTR Seeds Genetics
Our work with universities doesn't stop at publishing scientific research.
Over the years, cannabis varieties developed by our breeding team have been included in independent university field trials and agricultural research programs across the country.
Institutions including the University of Vermont, Cornell University, North Carolina State University, and others have evaluated our genetics under different growing conditions.
These trials examine important characteristics such as yield, cannabinoid content, flowering time, plant development, and overall agricultural performance.
We particularly value independent university research because it provides growers with information collected outside of our own breeding program.
Some of these trials have demonstrated outstanding performance from our varieties, including our flagship CBD genetics and newer triploid cultivars.
We've compiled many of these studies into a dedicated resource for growers interested in seeing how our genetics perform in university research programs.
Explore Independent University Hemp Research Featuring GTR Seeds and Oregon CBD Genetics
Why Scientific Research Matters in Cannabis Breeding
The cannabis industry is full of impressive claims about potency, yield, disease resistance, and genetics. But developing truly exceptional varieties requires more than selecting plants that look good or produce large flowers.
It requires understanding how traits are inherited, how plants respond to their environment, and how genetics influence everything from cannabinoid production to disease susceptibility.
At GTR Seeds, we combine modern genetic research with years of hands-on breeding and field experience.
Our research into CBG genetics helped lay the groundwork for developing some of the first commercially successful CBG-dominant cannabis varieties. Our work with polyploidy has contributed to the development of triploid cannabis seeds, while our ongoing genomic research continues to improve our understanding of cannabinoid inheritance and plant performance.
These aren't just academic exercises. The information we gain directly influences the varieties we develop and the seeds we offer growers.
Advancing Cannabis Science for Everyone
We believe cannabis research should benefit the entire industry, not just the companies conducting it.
That's why we're proud to contribute to publicly available scientific research and collaborate with universities and other institutions working to better understand this remarkable plant.
There's still an enormous amount we don't know about cannabis, and we're excited to continue exploring its genetics, chemistry, and agricultural potential.
From developing new cannabinoid varieties to improving disease resistance and advancing triploid breeding, our goal remains the same: use good science to develop better cannabis genetics.
And have a whole lot of fun doing it.
