Evaluation of different hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) progenies resulting from crosses with focus on oil content and seed yield

One of the main breeding objectives for hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation is higher seed yield important also for the oil yields. However, there has been limited research on hemp breeding that focuses on these topical features. In this study, 17 crosses were created using 12 different hemp varieties. For each variety, five female inflorescences were selected for targeted crossing and one for self-pollination. Seeds from the crosses were sown in separate plots with a seeding density of 30 kg/ha. The number of male and female plants, plant height, internode length, steam thickness, inflorescence length, number of inflorescences per plant, and plant number per plot were measured in crossbred family plants. The absolute weight of seeds per plot, the degree of marbling and oil content were determined. The progeny of the cross between Helena and Tiborszallasi were found to have the highest 100 seed mass (1.546 g, upper half). The offspring of self-pollinated varieties Finola, Tiborszallasi, Fedora 17 and the cross between Helena and Tiborszallasi produced the highest oil content. The progeny of the cross between Futura 75 and KC Dora showed the most promising results in terms of high yield production. This study provided the first important data pertaining to hemp breeding with the goal of increasing oil content and seed yield. •Evaluation of hemp crosses traits to increase oil and seed content in hemp breeding.•Self-pollinated hemp progenies yield promising results for oil content quantity.•Futura 75 x KC Dora gave the best results in terms of high yield production.•Hemp breeding for oil content has great potential in functional foods.