Analysis of inter-nodal properties of two industrial hemp cultivars (Fasamo and Ferimon 12) and their relationships with plant density and row spacing

Abstract

Research and development of an efficient production system for industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fiber needs to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge from cultivation to processing of plant materials. This study investigated two industrial hemp cultivars (Fasamo and Ferimon 12) for their inter-nodal properties, i.e., length and diameter. The relationship of the inter-nodal properties with agronomic factors such as planting density (40, 80, 120, 160 plants/m2) and row spacing (15 and 30 cm) was examined in a field experiment. The findings suggested that plants cultivated at higher plant densities (e.g., 80 and 160 plants/m2) had a smaller inter-nodal diameter and longer inter-nodal length. Row spacing did not show a significant effect on the Fasamo cultivar. However, row spacing had a significant effect on the Ferimon 12 cultivar that might imply more intense intra-specific competition of the taller plants for sunlight. The inter-nodal length pattern resembling a bimodal distribution might indicate crop maturity. However, further research into the inter-nodal length pattern is recommended. When the inter-nodal properties and other crop parameters (e.g., bast fiber yield) were interpreted together, they could convey important information, including the extent of crop maturity and a suitable harvesting period for more bast or hurd fiber production. Although the study generated interesting and promising results from the inter-nodal property analysis, further research into the internodal properties in relation to other influential agronomic factors is recommended.