Multi-locational evaluation of fibre yiels of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) genotypes in Nigeria

Abstract

Kenaf is broadly adaptable, easily produced and fits into farming systems but several factors affect its yield. Varietal selection is pivoted on yield performance and genotype × environment interaction. Hence, this trial was to evaluate advanced genotypes of kenaf in multi-locations to select those with high fibres yields. Fourteen genotypes were evaluated in 10 locations in Nigeria for two years in a trial laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twenty plants were randomly selected from each plot, harvested and retted. Dried bast and core fibres were weighed. The data collected were pooled across the two years and subjected to Analysis of Variance for each location. Significant variation existed in the bast and core fibre yields of the genotypes due to genotypic effects in all the locations. The bast and cores fibres yields of genotypes SAU75-414, GS14-52, AEHC-3, IFEKEN DI-400 and IFEKEN 400 were significantly higher than others. Total fibre yield of SAU75-414 was significantly highest followed by GS14-52 before AEHC-3 across locations. The bast and core fibres yield potentials of SAU75-414, GS14-52 and AEHC-3 were 8.78 t ha-1, 8.83 t ha-1 and 8.62 t ha-1, respectively as obtained in Orin Ekiti. Considering the total fibre yields, genotypes SAU75-414, GS14-52 and AEHC-3 qualified for further experimentation because each of them had the highest bast, core and total fibres yields and outperformed existing commercial varieties of kenaf. It was therefore concluded that genotypes SAU75-414, GS14-52 and AEHC-3 are further studied for adaptation and recommendation for farmers’ use.