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Title: RESPONSE OF KENAF TO MULTIPLE HARVESTS

Author
item Webber Iii, Charles
item HUNEYCUTT, HERBERT - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The utilization of kenaf (Hibiscus cannibinus L.) as a forage crop would be significantly enhanced if the crop produced multiple harvests within a single growing season. Research was conducted at Fayetteville, AR and Lane, OK, to determine the effects of multiple harvests on kenaf dry matter production and its nutritive value. In the first year of research, the kenaf varieties 'Everglades 41' and 'Cubano' were harvested at 70 and 13 days after planting (DAP). In the second year of research, varieties 'Guatemala 48', 'India' and 'Tainung #2' were also included in the research at both locations, and all five varieties were harvested at 92 and 162 DAP. Plants were cut at 10 inches above ground at the first harvest, and then the regrowth was cut at 12 inches above ground. Kenaf varieties at both locations showed excellent regrowth following the initial harvest. The first year's dry matter yields averaged across locations and varieties were e1.8 and 2.5 t/a, for the 70 and 132 DAP harvests, respectively. Crude protein percentages for leaf, stalk and whole plants averaged across locations, varieties and harvests were 22, 9, and 15%, respectively. The variety India showed significantly greater regrowth and total dry matter yields than the other varieties evaluated. The excellent plant regrowth, which produced 2.5 t/a dry matter, the total digestible nutrients of 58%, and the potential of the India variety demonstrate the feasibility of multiple harvests of kenaf as a forage crop.