Author
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Webber Iii, Charles |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2010 Publication Date: 9/6/2011 Citation: Webber III, C.L. 2011. Preface. In: Webber, C.L. III, Liu, A., editors. Plant Fibers as Renewable Feedstocks for Biofuel and Bio-based Products. CCG International, Incorporated. p. vii-viii. Interpretive Summary: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L., Malvaceae) is a warm season annual fiber crop that can be successfully produced in a large portion of the United States, particularly in the southern states. Commercial products for kenaf continue to diversify from its historical use as a cordage crop (rope, twine, and sackcloth) into new products such as biofuel, biopolymer composites, paper products, building materials, absorbents, bioremediation, and livestock feed. To maximize our individual efforts in the areas of kenaf research, development, and marketing, we must broaden our perspective. We must visualize how the various aspects of the kenaf industry fit into the whole. It is important to recognize the significant contributions of those who laid the ground work for US research efforts and those in other countries who are currently conducting kenaf research, product development, and marketing expansion. We benefit as individuals and as an industry when we reach out and build bridges of understanding, cooperation, and interaction rather than walls of short-sightedness, self-service, and tunnel vision. Technical Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L., Malvaceae) is a warm season annual fiber crop closely related to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench, Malvaceae) that can be successfully produced in a large portion of the United States, particularly in the southern states. Kenaf continues to expand into new applications including products such as biofuel, biopolymer composites, paper products, building materials, absorbents, bioremediation, and livestock feed. As these commercial uses diversify from its historical use as a cordage crop (rope, twine, and sackcloth), choices within the decision matrix will continue to increase and involve issues such as agricultural production methods, potential products, and promising marketing opportunities. To maximize our individual efforts in the areas of kenaf research, development, and marketing, we must broaden our perspective. We must visualize how the various aspects of the kenaf industry fit into the whole. This process requires that we understand, appreciate, and acknowledge the contributions of those within and outside our own disciplines. |
