Polyploid plants are characterized by the ability to use or express new genes, which have a beneficial influence on the growth, development and other characteristics of the plant, due to the multiplied chromosomes. In the case of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and hops (Humulus lupulus L.), which are grown mostly for the use of secondary metabolites, the induction of polyploidy is of great importance. Cannabis is grown worldwide for medical purposes to obtain cannabinoids CBD and THC. The Latter has psychoactive effects and as a result most countries in the world classify cannabis as an illegal drug. By inducing polyploidy, we can increase or decrease the content of particular cannabinoids to enable more economical farming. In the case of hops, it is similar, the main yield are female inflorescences, which contain alpha-acids, that are used in the brewing industry. By inducing polyploidy, especially triploidy, we can grow parthenocarpic inflorescences, which do not need to be prematurely treated with various substances, to remove seeds, which would reduce the economic value and taste of the crop. The aim of the thesis is to present techniques that have been used to induce poliploidy in cannabis and hop.
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