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Title: KENAF IN TUCUMAN: FORAGE VALUE AND SEED PRODUCTION OF FOUR CULTIVARS

Author
item BONAPARTE, FRIDA - NAT UNIV TUCUMAN,ARGENTIN
item LAGOMARSINO, EDMUNDO - NAT UNIV TUCUMAN,ARGENTIN
item Webber Iii, Charles

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a potential forage crop for ruminants in Northwest Argentina. There is particular interest in Tucuman province in using kenaf as a range crop for grazing ruminants. The objective of this research was to evaluate four kenaf cultivars for dry matter (DM) production, forage quality, and seed production in the subhumid-humid Chaco oof Tucuman province of Argentina. Research was conducted over a 3-yr period (1997-1999) at El Manantial(26degS, 65degW). The four kenaf cultivars (Tainung #1, Everglades 41, SF459, and Cuba 108) In the first year of the research, 1997, seed production for the four cultivars ranged from 850 to 1100 kg/ha (757 to 979 lb/a) at 180 days after planting (DAP). Cuba 108 and Tainung #1 had significantly greater seed yields than the other cultivars. In the 1998 growing season, when the kenaf was harvested at 100 DAP, DM production ranged from 1,815 to 2,617 kg/ha (1,349 to 2,330 lb/a). Crude protein ranged from 5.72% for the kenaf stalks to 24.24% for the kenaf leaves. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) ranged from 26.38 to 51.71%, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ranged from 28.11 to 67.21%. In the final year of research, 1999 (harvested 37 DAP), DM production ranged from 1,430 to 3,130 kg/ha (1,273 to 2,786 lb/a), with CP values of 4.8% (stalks) and 25.37% (leaves). ADF and NDF values ranged from 18.14 to 51.80%, and 16.66 to 68.75%, respectively. During the 3-yr study, Tainung #1, produced the greatest stalk CP (5.34%), the greatest ADF (51.80%), and along with Cuba 108 produced the greatest seed yield. Cuba 108 also had the greatest NDF (68.75%). The leaves of SF459 had the greatest CP (25.37%). Each of the four kenaf cultivars produced satisfactory in respect to DM production, forage quality (CP, ADF, and NDF), and in seed yields.