Polish hemp varieties had been the highest performers in fiber hemp trials just lately reported in a examine by researchers at Oregon State College.

Henola, primarily a grain producer, and fiber-specific Białobrzeskie, had considerably increased bast fiber content material, by share, in comparison with one Chinese language cultivar and two American varieties within the trials, harvested in 2022.

The 2 Polish cultivars are from the Institute of Pure Fibers and Medicinal Crops (IWNiRZ), a authorities establishment that controls Poland’s nationwide hemp genetics by way of its function in analysis, breeding, certification, seed manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Each varieties had been developed by IWNiRZ researchers.

Constant leaders

Henola, a new-era selection, has additionally proved itself a prime grain producer in trials in North Dakota and Australia. Białobrzeskie, a legacy Polish fiber cultivar, additionally had a robust displaying amongst fiber varieties within the North Dakota trials two years in the past.

Henola’s efficiency as a fiber producer means the range, initially developed to provide hemp seeds, is rising as a robust possibility for twin cropping of grain and fiber.

Different varieties within the Oregon trials had been Jin Ma of China and NWG 2463 and NWG 4113, American varieties from Colorado-based New West Genetics. All of these are fiber varieties.

Key indicators within the examine had been the stem diameter of the vegetation and the share of bast fiber within the yield.

The 2 Polish hemp varieties are monoecious whereas the others are dioecious, reproductive variations that may have an effect on variables reminiscent of pollination and fertilization, and plant improvement.

Bast fibers, essentially the most precious a part of the hemp stalk, are the lengthy, stringy fibers extracted from the outer layer of the stem. Their sturdiness, flexibility, and resistance to degradation make them a sturdy and sustainable uncooked materials for such various finish merchandise as textiles, paper, biocomposites, insulation and plastic.

Hemp varieties differ of their means to provide concentrations of bast fiber, one indication of fiber high quality, in line with the examine. Whereas the best bast fiber content material, by share, was related to the Bialobrzeskie and Henola varieties, the opposite three varieties had been related within the complete bast fiber produced.

Stem charactaristics

The researchers famous that variations in stem diameter among the many varieties examined had been “vital.” Jin Ma stems measured 19.5 mm in diameter, whereas stems of the opposite varieties ranged from 10 mm to 13 mm.

“Stem diameter is mostly inversely proportional to plant density. Seeding charges can affect this, with subsequent results on plant populations,” in line with the report.

“Stem diameter on this examine is notably increased than stem diameter reported in different areas,” the researchers additionally famous.

Stem yield, additionally an essential attribute, has a direct relationship with bast fiber yield, the researchers stated. Common stem yield ranged from 7,447 lbs/acre (Henola) to 37,062 lbs/acre (Jin Ma), with a imply amongst all 5 types of 17,669 lbs/acre, in line with the report.

Good for Oregon

In different findings, the report stated:

• Jin Ma produced the very best bast fiber yield at 6,295.8 lbs/acre.
• Jin Ma produced the very best dry weight per plant (0.264 grams), whereas Bialobrzeskie produced the bottom (0.058 grams).
• Plant-top yields averaged 3,742 lbs/acre and ranged from a low of 450 lbs/acre (Henola) to a excessive of 12,297 lbs/acre (Jin Ma).

The report concluded that the entire varieties “confirmed good adaptability and may be thought of for . . . cultivation in Oregon.”