Novel hop ecotypes revealed genetic variation in Chilean Humulus lupulus L.

Abstract

Hops (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) is a dioecious perennial climbing plant with its economic significance lying in the female inflorescences known as cones. Hop plays a crucial role in beer production, imparting bitterness, flavor, aroma and antimicrobial protection. Moreover, hops’ bioactive components offer health-promoting effects. In Chile, hops were likely introduced by German settlers around 1850 and have thrived in favorable local agroclimatic conditions. The country’s hop production has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by the burgeoning national craft beer industry. The demand for novel and local hop genotypes has emerged to enhance the value of local beer production. Recently discovered hop ecotypes in Southern Chile exhibited distinct morphological differences and, through the utilization of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based techniques, revealed clearly a unique genotype differing from the screened European cultivars. The genetic analysis, employing a highly polymorphic single amplification product, proved to be a powerful tool for characterizing the feral hops and supports further investigations. The identified genetic variability within previously unexplored Chilean hop germplasm, particularly when compared to European cultivars, offers valuable insights that can foster the development of distinctive and innovative beers.