Open Access

ARTICLE

Effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests

Reta-Sánchez DG¹, JS Serrato-Corona², HM Quiroga-Garza¹, A Gaytán-Mascorro¹, JA Cueto-Wong¹

1 Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP). Blvd. José Santos Valdez 1200. Col. Centro. 27440, Cd. Matamoros, Coahuila, México.
2 Facultad de Agricultura y Zootecnia, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango. Domicilio Conocido, Ej. Venecia, Durango A. P. 1-142. Gómez Palacio, Durango, México.

Address correspondence to: David Guadalupe Reta-Sánchez. Blvd. José Santos Valdez 1200. Col. Centro. 27440, Cd. Matamoros, Coahuila, México. Phone 52-871-182-3081, e-mail:

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2015, 84(2), 262-271. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2015.84.262

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) forage potential can be enhanced through its regrowth capacity and higher production in narrow rows. A field experiment was conducted in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico, during 2 growing seasons (2004 and 2005) to study the effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests. This study evaluated the effects of (1) 2 plant heights at cutting (1.0-1.2 m and 1.8-2.0 m) and (2) 4 inter row spacings (0.19, 0.38, 0.57 and 0.76 m) using a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields, DM partitioning, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and CP concentrations were determined. Heights at cutting × row spacing interactions were not significant for the monitored variables (p>0.05). Kenaf response to treatments was only relevant for main effects (p≤0.05). Row spacing and plant height affected DM and CP yields (p≤0.05), whereas only plant height affected chemical composition and DM partitioning (p≤0.05). Dry matter (17.0%-26.0%), and CP (12.4%-15.6%) yields were higher (p≤0.05) when plant heights had reached 1.8 to 2.0 m. Row spacing reduction from 0.76 m to 0.38 and 0.19 m increased DM yield (20.4-33.4%) and CP yield (24.2-38.5%) (p≤0.05). Kenaf forage potential increases when planted in narrow rows and harvested 2 or 3 times during the growing season.

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