Abstract
The demand for paper and paper products are increasing while the world supply of wood is decreasing. The use of non-wood sources for paper pulping has, therefore, increased significantly. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) an annual quick growing crop has the potential to become an excellent source of fibre. The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of cultivating kenaf under Jamaican conditions. Four kenaf varieties, Everglades 41, Tainung #2, Guatemata, and Guatemala were evaluated for growth and stem yield at Bodles Research Station, Jamaica, between February 1998 and January 1999 in two trials. Trial 1 was planted on 12 February 1998, and there were significant (P = 0.038) differences among varieties with Everglades 41 and Tainung #2 producing higher yields than the other varieties. In Trial 2, planted 2 June 1998, there was no significant (P = 0.001) yield difference among Everglades 41, Tainung #2, and Guatemala, but these had significantly higher yields than Guatemata. The results also showed that there was a high level of correlation (r = 0. 70) between plant height and yield. At 70 days after planting, percentage flowering was measured. There were significant (P = 0.001) differences among varieties, with Guatemala having the least mean flowering. A strong negative correlation (r = -0.75) was observed between percentage of plants flowering and yield. Everglades 41 and Tainung #2 performed well at both planting dates, whereas Guatemala did well at the June planting, but not at the February planting.
