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Title: YIELD OF FIVE KENAF CULTIVARS IRRIGATED WITH WASTEWATER IN EAST CENTRAL ARIZONA

Author
item MCMILLIN, JOEL - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item WAGNER, MICHAEL - NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIV
item Webber Iii, Charles
item MANN, SHERI - NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIV
item NICHOLS, J - NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIV
item JECH, LARRY - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pulp and paper mills produce large amounts of wastewater as a result of their normal manufacturing processes. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) produced at a pulp and paper mill would provide an important virgin fiber source for mills processing recycled paper. The objective of the research was to determine the stalk yields, bast:core ratios, and growth measurements of kenaf irrigated with wastewater from a pulp and paper mill The experiment was located adjacent to a pulp and paper mill at Zeniff, AZ. Five cultivars of kenaf ( Everglades 41', Everglades 71', Tainung #2', SF459', and KK60') were planted in a randomized complete block design and harvested at 128 days after planting. No statistical differences were detected among cultivars for any of the variables measured, except for stalk diameter. Tainung #2 had the highest stalk yield (3.5 dry tons/ac/year [7,859.1 kg/ha]), stalk height (1.88 meters [6.2 feet]), while ecultivar SF495 had the highest bast:core ratio (0.484) and Tainung #2 the lowest (0.372). Based on these results, we conclude that for the growing conditions tested, cultivar Tainung #2 is the best option for maximizing stalk biomass and total bast fiber yield.