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Title: DEVELOPMENT OF KENAF YIELD PARAMETERS

Author
item Webber Iii, Charles
item BLEDSOE, VENITA - TEXAS A&M (GRAD. STUDENT)

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2000
Publication Date: 7/1/2000
Citation: WEBBER III, C.L., BLEDSOE, V.K. DEVELOPMENT OF KENAF YIELD PARAMETERS. KENAF ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. 2000. P. 31.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) yield parameters, which include plant populations, stalk and leaf yields, and plant height, are important criteria for determining harvest timing and a crop's optimum use (paper pulp, bioremediation or livestock feed). There is limited information pertaining to the development of kenaf yield parameters throughout the growing season. The objective of this research was to determine the effec of kenaf plant age on kenaf yield parameters. Kenaf variety 'Everglades 41' was planted at Lane, OK, on 76-cm row spacing. The soil is a Bernow fine sandy loam, 0 - 3% slope. Kenaf plots were harvested at four harvest dates, 60 days after planting (DAP), 90 DAP, 120 DAP, and 150 DAP. Except for plant populations, which averaged 220,000 plants/ha, all yield parameters were significantly affected by harvest age. Stalk biomass percentages and stalk yields increased from 67.6% (60 DAP) to 87.7% (150 DAP), and from 3,781 kg/ha (60 DAP) to 19,287 kg/ha (150 DAP), respectively. The rate of stalk biomass accumulation and plant height development increased from the lowest rate during the first 60 days (63 kg/ha/day, 2.41 cm/day) to the highest rate during the period between 90 and 120 days (258 kg/ha/day, 2.94 cm/day). Forty percent of the stalk production during the season occurred between 90 to 120 DAP, with 20% during each of the other three time periods, 0 to 60 DAP, 60 to 90 DAP, and 90 to 120 DAP. Leaf biomass percentages decreased from a high of 32% at 60 DAP to a low of 12% at 150 DAP. The information from this research, which provides a greater understanding of the development of kenaf yield parameters throughout the growing season, will help managers to maximize the production and utilization of their kenaf crops.