Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Geneva, New York » Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU) » Research » Research Project #449089

Research Project: Evaluation and Breeding of Diverse Hemp Germplasm for Disease Resistance

Location: Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU)

Project Number: 8060-21000-034-036-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 2, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2027

Objective:
Cooperator will evaluate diverse hemp germplasm for resistance to a) powdery mildew, b) downy mildew, and c) Septoria leaf spot in the field and greenhouse.

Approach:
Each year, one-hundred diverse, regulatory compliant hemp accessions will be planted as seedlings in greenhouses in Geneva, NY. Three replicates of at least 5-plant plots will be transplanted in a randomized complete block design in the field in Geneva. The plants will have 2-meter center-row spacing, and there will be one-meter between plants in each row. Powdery mildew, Septoria leaf spot, and downy mildew inoculum will be sprayed onto plants in Geneva, NY. After inoculation, plots will be evaluated every 7 to 10 days for disease severity. Disease evaluation data will be summarized, published, and made available on Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).