Methodological aspects of in vitro cultivation of hemp: a review

The review article describes overcoming contamination issues, effective regeneration and propagation methods, optimization of growth conditions through modification of nutrient media composition and the use of phytohormones, as well as the establishment of specific light and temperature regimes, and modern research directions for in vitro cultivation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The in vitro cultivation of this species is somewhat challenging. The optimal explants are shoot segments obtained from NaOCl-sterilized and in vitro germinated seeds. Explants can grow on various types of nutrient media, including MS and DKW with sucrose as a carbohydrate source, as well as modified media, mainly with increased nitrogen ions and selected macro- and microelements. They respond well to the application of different types of phytohormones, such as auxins and cytokinins. However, overcoming shoot hyperhydricity remains a challenge. Recently, methodologies for obtaining polyploid industrial hemp and lateral root cultures have been developed.