Improving the quality and quantity of hemp fiber (Boehmeria nivea) by giving indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid

Abstract

Abstract. Rahman SF, Mudyantini W, Anggarwulan E. 2019. Improving the quality and quantity of hemp fiber (Boehmeria nivea) by giving indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid. Cell Biol Dev 3: 19-29. Hemp plant (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.) is an annual plant that is easy to grow and reproduce in a tropical region. Hemp fiber has a higher strength than cotton fiber, so it is not easily broken off. It provides less reduction than other fibers, the humidity of hemp fiber can achieve 12%, and hemp fiber has a smooth characteristic, long-lasting, and its glint is similar to silk. This research used complete random design (CRD) using two factors that were GA3 with 3 concentration variations (G), such as 0 ppm, 175 ppm, 200 ppm, and 3 water availability variations (A), such as 50%, 75%, and 100%. The treatments were given to the rhizome before it was planted, and the water availability was given when the shoot started to form. The measured parameters were parameters of growth and fiber quality. This research concludes that GA3 treatment influences the increase of shoot stem height, dry weight, fresh weight, and fiber pulling test (fiber’s strength), but it does not influence the change of shoot number, leaf number, and elasticity of the fiber. The water availability treatment does not influence the entire parameter. The interaction between GA3 and water availability influences hemp (B. nivea) fiber elasticity. The giving of GA3 in the concentration of 200 ppm shows the best influence on the entire parameter of growth and fiber quality observed except in fresh and dry weight. Water availability treatment in SQ 100% strongly influences fresh and dry weight; in SQ 75%, it influences the fiber's elasticity.