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Title: Kenaf and bioremediation in Azerbaijan

Author
item BASHIROV, VUGAR - Azerbaijan State Agrarian University - Azerbaijan
item FEASTER, GERALD - Kenaf Usa, Llc
item CONNELL, R - Advantage Technologies Llc
item Webber Iii, Charles

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2010
Publication Date: 8/11/2010
Citation: Bashirov, V., Feaster, G.J., Connell, R.W., Webber III, C.L. 2010. Kenaf and bioremediation in Azerbaijan [abstract]. 2010 Symposium on Renewable Feedstock for Biofuel and Bio-based Products. August 11-13, 2010, Austin, Texas. p. 46.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Scientists, businesses, and the Azerbaijan government are bringing together two ancient natural resources, petroleum and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), to create a balance between economic growth and environmental reclamation. Oil and kenaf have been used for over 2000 years. Although oil continues to generate a significant portion of the Azerbaijan gross national product, past extraction, storage, and shipping methods have resulted in excessive environmental pollution. Kenaf, an ancient cordage crop, can now be used for the bioremediation of soil and water in Azerbaijan. In 2009, research was conducted in Azerbaijan to determine the impact of location (Samukh and Bilesuvar), kenaf varieties (Tainung #2, Everglades 41, Dowling, and Whitten), plant densities (202,000-, 271,000-, and 337,000 plants/ha) and planting dates (May 8, 11, and 13, 2009) on yields. Tainung #2 consistently had superior yields independent of location, planting density, and planting date, with yields ranging from 10.0 to 12.38 mt/ha. The earlier planting dates, May 8 and 11, produced greater yields than the May 13 planting. Planting kenaf at 271,000 plants/ha produced the greatest yields, irrespective of location, variety, or planting date. Although stalk yields for the 202,000 plants/ha density were fairly high, plant architecture was diminished by excessive branching and leaf production, unlike the single stalk structure of the 271,000 plants/ha density plantings. This research provided valuable information for future kenaf production in Azerbaijan. Kenaf produced the greatest yields at these two locations, when planted early, first week of May, at 271,000 plants/ha with Tainung #2.