Location: Cotton Ginning Research
Project Number: 6066-41440-009-013-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 29, 2023
End Date: Sep 28, 2028
Objective:
To develop methods to phenotype industrial hemp fibers to aid in the establishment of a domestic industrial hemp fiber industry and aid in the utilization of hemp across diverse industrial applications. Characterization of physical fiber properties is necessary both to support breeding efforts and to allow end-users to establish economic value:
1. Measure fiber density and bast/hurd ratio.
2. Measure fiber length, strength, fiber flexibility and elasticity.
3. Evaluate fiber crystallinity, moisture absorption and moisture content.
4. Explore fiber chemical composition and evaluate the fiber quality that can be derived from microscopic analysis of fiber and hurd.
Approach:
The objectives will be achieved using a variety of approaches to gather phenotypic data. Fiber density and bast fiber/hurd ratio (Objective 1) will be accomplished using traditional gravimetric approaches adopted from other agricultural products. Objectives 2 and 3 will require modification of standard test methods, techniques, and equipment used in engineering materials and/or textile materials analyses. Objective 4 will be achieved by using both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) instrumentation. Phenotypic data for industrial hemp materials will be compared to other materials used across diverse industrial applications. Materials to be characterized will be gathered by the cooperator using in-house production and industry contacts.
