Crafting A 'Mixed Martial Arts' Plant: Texas Scientists Develop Drought-Resistant Hemp Strain

Researchers at Texas A&M’s hemp-breeding program have achieved a unique milestone in their quest to develop super strains.

Led by Dr. Russell Jessup, the team successfully identified and bred strains that can thrive in Texas' extreme heat and arid conditions. These genetics will now be added to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) national collection, providing a valuable resource for farmers across the country.

Dr. Jessup shared the magician’s trick in an interview with Kevin Curtis in The Austin Chronicle: “We torture plants with high lights, high temperature, high salts, I don't water them, I put them in crappy soil. We torture the heck out of them, then see which ones are the MMA plants, and those are the ones we pick.”

This testing ensures only the strongest and most resilient hemp plants are selected for further breeding.

The breeding program focuses on overcoming challenges specific to Texas’ climate. Scientists aim to select those genetics that will better adapt to hostile environments, like extreme heat, extreme humidity or lack of water.

The resulting strains aim to meet the demands of farmers willing to grow industrial hemp for seed or fiber purposes, like drought-resistant hemp.

According to Dr. Jessup, "The material out of Colorado, Oregon, and Europe does okay in Amarillo and the Panhandle, but when you get below Dallas, and especially below Austin, it just goes to hell." 

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Drought-Resistant Hemp And Sustainability

Hemp's value extends beyond its price as a commodity and its multiple industrial use cases.

Hemp is increasingly recognized as a sustainable crop that can play a crucial role in combating climate change. It is also known for its ability to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere more efficiently than trees.

According to studies, hemp can absorb up to 16 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, making it a powerful tool in carbon farming initiatives. Additionally, hemp requires less water compared to other crops like cotton, reducing its environmental impact.

Since the launch of the Hemp Production Program, the USDA has invested millions into sustainable hemp research, including projects aimed at understanding hemp's climate benefits. The department has also certified 19 varieties of hemp.

Texas A&M's contributions of drought-resistant hemp varieties to the USDA’s germplasm collection further diversify the range of strains available to farmers.

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