Performance of Different-Use Type Industrial Hemp Cultivars under Mid-Atlantic Region Conditions

Abstract

Due to recent classification as a commodity crop in North America, producer interest in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has increased. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is a need to evaluate foreign-developed industrial hemp for its adaptability and to develop new cultivars suited to local climatic conditions. Eight cultivars (‘Bialobrzeskie’, ‘Canda’, ‘Fedora 17’, ‘Felina 32’, ‘Joey’, ‘Tygra’, ‘USO 31’, and ‘Wojko’) were evaluated for grain and five (‘Bialobrzeskie’, ‘Carmagnola’, ‘Fedora 17’, ‘Futura 75’, and ‘Wojko’) for vegetative biomass. An experiment carried out at the Virginia State Research and Demonstration (Randolph) farm was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that cultivars differed in the cumulative growing degree days (CGDD) needed for growth phase transitions, with ‘USO 31’ having an early transition to the reproductive phase. In addition, ‘Fedora 17’ produced greater grain yield and may have the potential for greater performance with better management to improve its adaptability to local conditions. Across cultivars and years, the grain protein content averaged 241 g kg−1 and the mineral elements were at sufficient levels for animal and human nutrition. ‘Carmagnola’ produced greater biomass yield and has the potential for adoption as local fiber cultivar.

Hemp cultivation opportunities for marginal lands development

“…use, aligning with those most commonly reported in the literature (e.g., Secuieni Jubileu for grain vs Felina 32 for grain, fiber, and CBD; Table 1; [30,31]). The four cultivars were grown in a single gently sloped (1-4%) experimental field, to assure the same environmental conditions, without any treatment or fertilization.…”

“…This could be due to JUB early flowering period which hinders vegetative growth, redirecting resources to reproductive structures. Indeed, early flowering cultivars are generally better suited for grain production [ 30 ]. Being short, JUB is expected to be buffered from lodging better than the other cultivars, and could be cultivated also in sites with intense rain and wind [ 53 , 76 ] like hilly and mountain regions.…”

“…The cultivars have been selected for their low THC content, in compliance with the legal limits. Additionally, they were selected to cover a spectrum of single-, dual-, or multi-purpose use, aligning with those most commonly reported in the literature (e.g., Secuieni Jubileu for grain vs Felina 32 for grain, fiber, and CBD; Table 1 ; [ 30 , 31 ]).…”

Desorption and Sorption Isotherms of Different Varieties of Hemp Seeds with Different Percentages of Dockage under Different Temperatures and Different Relative Humidities

“…Hemp, a dicotyledonous plant, exhibits both monoecious (possessing male and female flowers on the same plant) and dioecious (having separate male and female plants) characteristics [1][2][3]. The varieties based on these characteristics exhibit considerable differences in height, maturity, seed size, and hull thickness [4][5][6][7][8].…”

Yield of Marketable Seeds of Technical Hemp Depending on the Impact of Sowing Rates and Variety

“…This plant, according to scientists, could become an ecological raw material of the future. Industrial needs in hemp are of increasing interest around the world (Baraniecki et al, 2022;Rahemi et al, 2021).…”