Assessment of plant population on growth, fibre and seed yield of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Ibadan western Nigeria

Abstract

Kenaf is a multi-purpose crop with numerous industrial uses. Its production is constrained by poor cultural and agronomic practices which reduce yield. Inappropriate spacing among others could result in low yield. Effect of plant spacing on growth and yield of kenaf was investigated in Ibadan, Nigeria. Kenaf seed was sown (2 plants/stand) at three plant spacing: 50×15, 50×20, 50×25 cm was assessed for seed and bast fibre yields using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The analysis was done using statistical analysis system (SAS). Plant spacing differed significantly for bast fibre and seed yields. Highest bast fibre yield (0.9±0.03) and seed yield (0.5±0.01) were obtained at 50×20 cm and 50×25 cm spacing, respectively, while the lowest bast fibre yield (0.7±0.01) and seed yield (0.3±0.01) were obtained at 50×15 cm spacing. Spacing of 50 × 15 cm and 50 × 20 cm are appropriate when planting for fibre while 50 × 25cm is appropriate for seed production.

Keywords: Kenaf, Spacing, Fibre and Seed yield.