How kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) can achieve high yields in Europe and China

Abstract

Kenaf is an annual spring fibre crop and it is considered as a valuable multipurpose crop due to numerous end uses. Currently, in the framework of an EU project entitled FIBRA (www.fibrafp7.net), kenaf is being investigated in Europe and China as source for sustainable bio-based products. Like all the other cultivated crops, the determination of the appropriate crop management (varieties, sowing dates, plant populations, irrigation, fertilization, weed control and harvesting time) is a key factor for the successful insertion of the crop in the existing agricultural cropping systems with economic benefits. Recently, new kenaf varieties have been released in both USA and China with increased biomass productivity and for some of them with an increased resistance to nematodes and anthracnose. Kenaf sowing should take place in spring as soon as the soil temperature is higher than 15°C. When the crop it is cultivated for its fibre stem the plant population should vary from 200,000 to 500,000plants/ha and the row spacing from 35 to 50cm. In areas that the precipitation is limited, during the hot summer months, irrigation is needed in order the crop to reach high biomass yields. It is a crop with sensitivity to nematodes, especially when it is cultivated in areas with sandy soil and this sensitivity should be taken under consideration in the rotation systems that will be applied. Harvesting time and methods should be adjusted according to the use of the crop (fibre, seeds, fibre and seeds, forage). The development of varieties or hybrids with higher yields (either for stem production or dual purpose varieties for stems and seeds production) and improved resistance to drought as well as to nematodes and anthracnose is considered one of the main challenges for the future of the crop.