Abstract
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an industrial fiber crop that is being grown increasingly in tropical and subtropical areas. Choosing the proper variety with the most growth rate and biomass content is a critical point for successful commercial cultivation of kenaf. Since growth and biomass production of plants are strictly related to their physiology attribute, it is therefore, necessary to provide knowledge on the physiologic characteristics of kenaf varieties. This study was designated to elucidate water relation characteristics of three kenaf varieties; Guatemala 4 (G4), kohn-kaen 60 (KK60) and V36. 20 plants of each varieties were cultivated in completely randomized design under controled conditions. Throughout a period of 120 days, parameters of gas exchange characteristics were measured within four regular intervals of 30 days. The results of this study showed that varieties significantly differ in water use efficiency so that the greatest value belonged to variety KK60. It was concluded that KK60 could be considered as preferable choice of kenaf variety for cultivation. Key words: Kenaf, gas exchange, water use efficiency.
Highlights
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an herbaceous annual crop and a source of raw material for numerous industries
This study was designated to elucidate water relation characteristics of three kenaf varieties; Guatemala 4 (G4), kohn-kaen 60 (KK60) and V36. 20 plants of each varieties were cultivated in completely randomized design under controled conditions
The results of this study showed that varieties significantly differ in water use efficiency so that the greatest value belonged to variety KK60
Summary
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an herbaceous annual crop and a source of raw material for numerous industries. It belongs to the Malvaceae, a family which is important for both its horticultural and economic value (Dempsey, 1975). Because of its rapid growing and elevated fiber content, kenaf is considered as a new choice of natural fiber for industrial uses (Woolf, 1993). It can be used as biomass for energy and substitute of non-renewable resources (Alexopoulou, 2005). This study was designated to explore water use efficiency of three varieties of kenaf in different stages of their growth
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