Abstract
Natural fibre based composites are being used more frequently in the automotive industry because of their positive characteristics. Fibres currently used and mostly imported to Europe do not sufficiently meet all the demands for natural fibres. As a new fibre plant velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) has been taken into consideration. However, there is no knowledge about the cultivation of velvetleaf in Europe.
 Four field trials in southwest Germany were set up to investigate the potential of fibre yield in a temperate climate. The factors crop density, nitrogen fertilization, accessions, and different harvesting dates were tested.
 Across all experiments fibre yield ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 t ha-1 dry matter. The highest yields were achieved with a crop density of 30 plants m-2, and with N fertilization of 100-150 kg N ha-1 for the accession ‘Herbiseed’. For highest fibre yield, the date of harvest should be at the beginning of maturity.
 This study provides first insights into possibility and variation of cultivating velvetleaf and suggests adequate fibre yield when cultivated in proper plant density and appropriate accession. However, before the plant can be implemented as a new crop, more research on fibre quality and breeding activity to improve agronomic factors is required.
Highlights
Natural fibres which may improve the environmental quality of technical products attract public attention
This study provides first insights into possibility and variation of cultivating velvetleaf and suggests adequate fibre yield when cultivated in proper plant density and appropriate accession
In 2017 plant height was significantly highest (203 cm) if plant density was at 10 plants m-2
Summary
Natural fibres which may improve the environmental quality of technical products attract public attention. Due to their biodegradability, natural fibres are considered environmentally friendly [1] and they can be used for textile purpose as well as for industrial use. The European automotive industry already used a total volume of 80,000 t of wood (38%) and natural fibres for the production of composites in 2012 [9]. The establishment of a new fibre plant in Germany could be a solution to meet the demand with regard to the improvement and variation of the properties of the end product as well as to reduce the dependency on fibre imports
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