Lincoln University

Awards Issued Prior to January 20, 2025, Were Funded Under Previous Administrations and May Not Reflect the Priorities and Policies of the Current Administration. Hemp Is a Multipurpose Crop With High Potential for Economic Benefits to the Farmers. the U.s Is the Largest Importer of Hemp Products, Mainly Seed and Fiber. the Use of Specific Metabolites in Cosmetics and Human Health Further Increases Its Domestic Demand. the Crop Production to Meet the Domestic Demand Is Hindered by Several Bottlenecks Including Limited Knowledge of Production Strategies and Management Practices, Lack of Cultivars With Wide Adaptability, 'HOT' Plants in the Field and Very Less Breeding Tools. Hemp Is Reintroduced Recently in Missouri After More Than 100 Years With No Adapted Varieties and So No Management Practices. to Establish the Hemp Production in Missouri and Expand to the Midwest, Suitable Varieties Must Be Selected/developed for Diverse Production Environments. Long Term Goal Is to Address Major Production Challenges of Hemp in Missouri and Also Contribute to Alleviating National Production Challenges. Main Objectives of This Integrated, Multidisciplinary Project Are to (1) Identify Suitable Hemp Varieties for Various Agro-ecological Regions of Missouri and Test Crop Management Practices, (2) Develop Genetic and Genomic Resources to Generate Breeding Tools for Crop Improvement, (3) Dissect Molecular Mechanisms Associated With the Hemp Plant Getting 'HOT' and Regulate It, (4) Disseminate Hemp Production Information, Educate and Build Partnership With the Hemp Farmers and Processors, and (5) Train Graduate and Undergraduate Students in Hemp Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Breeding Strategies. the Project Approaches and Outcome Will Form a Strong Foundation for Attracting Additional Funding From Public-private Stakeholders and Also Will Contribute to Agricultural Biodiversity and Sustainability.this