Cannabaceae comparative analysis based on plastid genome evolution

Marijuana or hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) of the Cannabaceae family represents one of the most economically important crops within the group that comprises about 170 plant species, some of which are widely used in industry. It is the most consumed, cultivated, and trafficked illicit drug globally, having several hybrids and varieties resulting from crosses, making the distinctions between Cannabis species almost meaningless. In a former study, our research group sequenced and released two cpDNA from Cannabis apprehended by Brazilian Federal Police which we compare with all deposited Cannabaceae complete cpDNA in this work. In countries where planting, marketing, or consumption is prohibited, it is difficult for control and inspection bodies to identify the origin of different strains. Based on this problem, we aim to perform a comparative genomic analysis of the plastid DNA of the Cannabaceae family. We have found evidence that the ndhA intron seems to be an informative region for phylogenetic and evolutive studies in Cannabaceae family. With the results of the present work, we were able to establish the phylogenetic relationships for the Cannabaceae family using the plastid genomes of 35 accessions, between species, subspecies, varieties, and hybrids.