Abstrax's study links unique compounds to the distinctive cheese aroma in cannabis, while also revealing intense citrus and sulfuric scents from previously hidden compounds.
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Abstrax, a pioneer in botanical flavor technology, has published cutting-edge research uncovering new flavor compounds in cannabis. This research offers fresh insights into optimizing cannabis breeding programs through advanced chemical analysis and the innovative practice of chemohunting. Conducted in collaboration with 710 Labs and SepSolve Analytical, the published study reveals the significant impact of minor, non-terpenoid compounds, called flavorants, on the aroma profiles of cannabis varieties, even when the plants are genetically similar.
This research introduces chemohunting — a detailed approach to selective breeding that evaluates cannabis phenotypes based on their comprehensive chemical profiles, or "chemotypes." This revelation promises to elevate the traditional practice of phenohunting from an art to an artisanal science, allowing breeders to achieve unprecedented consistency and innovation in cannabis cultivation.
"Within the cannabis industry, phenohunting – the process of selecting progeny from a cross of two parents – has traditionally been more of an art than a science," said TJ Martin, Vice President of Research at Abstrax. "Cultivators typically grow thousands of seeds to identify plants with desired traits, such as growth vigor, pest resistance, and unique aromas. While growth characteristics can be visually monitored, selecting for aroma has been largely subjective. With chemotyping, we provide breeders with the analytical tools to select for specific chemical traits, transforming the breeding process from an art to a science."
Twinkle Paryani, R&D Laboratory Chemist at Abstrax and the main author of the paper, further elaborated on the significance of these methods: "Chemohunting and chemotyping are revolutionary because they provide the quantitative evidence breeders have long observed anecdotally. These practices empower breeders to make more accurate selections and deepen their understanding of plant traits. They also offer valuable insights into the inheritance of specific properties without the high costs of sequencing, which can be a significant barrier for growers. As these methods become more widely available, ideally through testing labs, this knowledge will become accessible to everyone."
One of the most significant discoveries was 3-mercaptohexyl hexanoate (3-MHH), a newly identified member of the tropicannasulfur compound (TCSC) family, which contributes to intense citrus and sulfurous aromas. Additionally, Abstrax notes for the first time in cannabis flower the presence of octanoic (OA) and decanoic acids (DA), linked to the sharp, pungent cheese aromas found in certain cannabis varieties.
Furthering their analysis, Abstrax discovered an inverse relationship between two flavorant classes—TCSCs and indole, the musty heterocycle that lends dank pungency to Chem-like varieties. This discovery allows breeders to effectively chemohunt for high-TCSC, low-indole phenotypes or vice versa, potentially redefining the team's Exotic Cannabis Aroma Spectrum and offering a new language for consumers who are confused by traditional strain names.
"Our findings validate our previous research showing that minor, non-terpenoid compounds significantly influence the unique aroma characteristics of cannabis," said Martin. "Even genetically similar cannabis phenotypes can exhibit a wide range of aromas, thanks to these lower concentration compounds. Ignoring them in routine analytical testing minimizes the usefulness of the data and misses out on vital information that can drive the cultivation of cannabis with specific, desirable traits."
Kevin Koby, Chief Science Officer at Abstrax, emphasized the importance of incorporating these key volatile compounds in breeding programs. "Our results highlight the necessity of including flavorants in routine analytical testing to ensure consistency and specificity in cannabis breeding. This data-driven approach empowers breeders to optimize their growing programs, ensuring more consistent and novel cannabis experiences."
The new chemical insights and methodologies derived from this study establish a foundation for advanced analytical testing in cannabis breeding programs. Abstrax plans to publish two white papers detailing these results and their applications, translating them into an easily digestible form for the broader cannabis industry. Consumer app and cannabis marketplace Weedmaps will also promote the publications to their audiences as a real-time way to educate consumers on the new era of cannabis cultivation and flavor experiences.
"We're thrilled to support and promote Abstrax's groundbreaking research," says Boris Shcharansky, Vice President of Cannabis Advisory at Weedmaps. "This study is poised to significantly impact the cannabis industry by providing breeders with deeper insights and tools to refine their cultivation practices. The ability to target and enhance specific aroma profiles through advanced chemotyping is an exciting development that aligns with Weedmaps' mission to connect consumers with the highest quality cannabis products."
About Abstrax: Where Innovation and Science Meets Flavor Mastery
As the pioneering leader in the world of botanical flavor technology, Abstrax excels in crafting innovative terpene-driven, functional flavor solutions. Serving the cannabis, hops, flavor and fragrance industries, Abstrax is the trusted product development partner that forward-thinking CPG brands turn to when looking for a competitive edge. Founded in California by a team of award-winning PhD scientists, flavor chemists, and visionary product developers, Abstrax harnesses its three divisions to craft transformative CPG applications via innovative technology and more sustainable, all natural, and cost effective ingredients. Abstrax Tech produces groundbreaking peer reviewed research publications, discovers new flavor compounds, and produces terpene blends and flavors for tobacco, cannabis, and food applications – including botanically derived cannabis flavor experiences, live all-natural hemp-derived terpenes, and mood-enhancing terpene-flavor systems. Abstrax Labs offers cutting-edge R&D, extraction and analytical technologies through its proprietary Terplytics™ system. Its technology delivers the most advanced botanical testing for exploratory research, sensory quantification, strain validation, product development, and consumer insights. Abstrax Hops provides the most advanced research, products, and services that push the limits of brewing innovation. Its wide range of solutions encapsulates the authentic varietal-specific Hop Flavors, Dank Flavors, and next generation of advanced hop products including natural hop aroma extracts. Abstrax offers the utmost in safety, quality and regulatory adherence, ensuring seamless integration into product lines. Delve deeper with Abstrax at AbstraxTech.com, AbstraxHops.com and AbstraxLabs.com.
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