Technical Abstract: The majority of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) currently grown in the USA is planted to varieties that were developed over 20 years ago. In general, these varieties were developed in breeding programs located in Florida, Taiwan, Cuba, and Guatemala. In October 1989, the USDA-ARS initiated a kenaf research program in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to develop improved kenaf cultivars and improved cultural practices for kenaf production. Several evaluations were initially conducted to determine the response of kenaf cultivars and plant introductions to various environments, and parasitic nematodes and pathogens. Recent evaluations with newly developed kenaf strains and the release of variety 'SF459' have indicated that significant progress has been made in improving stalk fiber yield potential and tolerance to the southern root-knot nematode/soil-borne fungi complex. Future objectives will continue to focus on developing germplasm with improved yields and yield stability, tolerance/resistance to the root-knot nematode/soil fungi complex, and resistance to powdery mildew, a production limiting disease in fall kenaf seed crops. In addition, future breeding projects should consider the potential uses of biotechnology for varietal and germplasm improvement.