Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis of Scopus-Indexed Literature on Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Breeding

The elevated research interest and increased cultivation of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) across the globe is significantly driven by its multidirectional industrial uses and medicinal properties. Scientific research publications focusing on hemp breeding plays a pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap and opening new avenues for upscaling the efficiency of crop improvement initiatives. The identification of prevailing research trends and associations is critical in defining and mapping the trajectories of success in Hemp breeding. The advent of bibliometrics and scientometrics is currently providing a stead platform which fosters effective identification of current research patterns and examination of the applied methodologies, focus areas, and operational constraints. In the context of Hemp research, content assessments provide breeding initiatives with background data needed for exploring various traits of interest and for validating investments and related policies. The main thrust of this study is to perform a bibliometric and scientometric analysis of Scopus-indexed papers covering the field of ‘Hemp Breeding’, between calendar years 1908 and 2020. Data was analyzed using VOSviewer (Version 1.6.16) and Microsoft Excel (2019). The study found 152 papers composed of original articles (105, 69.08%), book chapters (23, 15.13%), conference papers (10, 6.58%), reviews (9, 5.92%), conference reviews (3, 1.97%) and books (2, 1.32%). A significant increment in research publications was observed after 1950. The assessment also indicated that most of the archived research was conducted or reported in the USA (13.82%), Italy (12.5%) and the Netherlands (11.18%). Furthermore, the highest number of papers over the studied period and topic were published by authors affiliated to Wageningen University & Research (16, 10.53%). Index keywords such as Cannabis sativa, hemp, genetic expression, genetic marker, and genetic diversity were covered extensively in the sampled journal editions. A comparative assessment of the results indicated that there is need to scale-up research initiatives targeting hemp trait improvements to cater for the projected high demand and climate change. This can be achieved through strengthening synergistic partnerships and knowledge exchanges across the hemp breeding value chain. This research will assist plant breeders in defining research requirements, determining evidence-based scientific gaps, and recognizing outstanding research institutions for potential intellectual sharing and cooperation.