Abstract
Information concerning the influence of plant maturity on kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L. Malvaceae) as a livestock feed is limited. Research was conducted during 1989 and 1990 to determine the effect of plant maturity on crude protein and yield components of kenaf. Crude protein and yield data were collected on six kenaf cultivars (‘Guatemala 4’, ‘Guatemala 45’, ‘Guatemala 48’, ‘Guatemala 51’, ‘Cuba 2032’ and ‘Everglades 41’) harvested at 76 and 99 days after planting (DAP) at Ladonia, TX, on a Tinn clay, 0–2% slope. Cultivars, harvest dates and years each significantly affected yield components. Crude protein percentages in the leaves, stalks and whole plants were significantly greater at 76 DAP than 99 DAP, while the reverse was true for total crude protein production. Guatemala 48 produced the greatest crude protein (558 kg/ha) of the tested cultivars. The effects of harvest maturity were consistent across cultivars and years, even though differences existed among cultivars for yield components and crude protein. The selections of harvest maturity and cultivar are important variables in producing maximum protein and dry-matter production.
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