Freweyni Abrha

Presentation topic: “Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) Herbivory Induced Cannabinoid Biosynthesis and Defense Gene Expression in Boax and Berry Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Varieties”

Freweyni Abrha is a PhD student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore whose research explores the biochemical and molecular interactions between hemp (Cannabis sativa) and the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea).

Her work focuses on understanding how insect herbivory influences cannabinoid biosynthesis, jasmonic acid signaling, and defense-related gene expression. She is interested in the broader applications of cannabinoid research, including medical, biochemical, and therapeutic potential, and is committed to contributing to evidence-based innovation in the cannabis field.