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Possible role of ultraviolet radiation in evolution ofCannabis chemotypes

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Abstract

The damaging effects of UV-B radiation have apparently affected the amounts of ultraviolet-absorbing secondary compounds in some plants. A similar role for Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol may explain the high levels of this compound inCannabis from areas of intense ambient UV-B. Further research is needed to determine whether UV-B radiation serves only as a selection pressure or if UV-B-induced stress may also directly stimulate production.

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  1. David W. Pate

    Present address: Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA

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  1. Dept. of Pharmacognosy, University of Mississippi, University, 38677, MS

    David W. Pate

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Pate, D.W. Possible role of ultraviolet radiation in evolution ofCannabis chemotypes. Econ Bot 37, 396–405 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02904200

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02904200

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