Researchers at the ICR are proud to announce the collaborative release of the complete reference genome for the new CBD-rich Cannabis variety “Pink Pepper” that was developed at Kangwon National University, South Korea
The Cannabis sativa L. variety is named ‘Pink Pepper’ because of its unique and striking coloration. The plant was developed by Professor Jung Dae Lim and his colleagues in several departments at Kangwon National University – Chuncheon South Korea. The ICR collaborated with Professor Lim’s team to assemble the whole genome sequence. This research also involved collaboration with our colleagues at the Korean National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation.
The DNA for this new Cannabis variety has been sequenced to produce a complete genomic assembly for it. The sequence contains 770 million DNA base pairs and over 30,000 cannabis genes and is the most thorough genomic sequences ever achieved for cannabis at 99.6% complete, making it the reference genome for Cannabis sativa L.
Pink Pepper’s complete genome assembly currently sets a new standard for gaining insights into Cannabis genomics, driving new advancements in cannabinoid research, and streamlining the development of medicinal uses for cannabis.
The full genome sequence and annotation for Pink Pepper can be accessed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website.
We are also proud to announce the publication of this research in the prestigious journal “Scientific Data” by Springer Nature.
Seeds of Pink Pepper will eventually be available for scientific research and industrial cannabinoid production. For inquiries about the Pink Pepper project, please contact Sanghyuck Park at sanghyuck.park@csupueblo.edu.