Physiological Attributes and Fibre Quality of Ten Genotypes of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) under Water Deficit

Abstract

Kenaf is a multipurpose crop that requires adequate soil moisture and nutrients for optimal growth. Water deficit is therefore a major factor limiting its growth and effective utilization. This study evaluated physiological attributes and fibre quality of ten kenaf genotypes under water deficit, with the aim of providing information useful for developing drought-tolerant kenaf genotypes. Ten genotypes (Ifeken 400, Ifeken 100, Cuba 108, Au-72, Tianung Vi-100, A60-282, AC-313, Au-754 and Au-2452) were planted in pots in a randomized complete block design. The plants were assigned to five watering regimes: WR0 (control; water supplied as required), WR4 (watered every fourth day; slight water deficit), WR6 (watered every sixth day; moderate water deficit), WR8 (watered every eighth day; moderately severe water deficit) and WR10 (watered every tenth day; severe water deficit). Plants were harvested at maturity (130 DAP). Growth and physiological traits, including fresh leaf weight, leaf number, seed weight, stem girth, plant height, relative water content and relative growth inhibition and fibre-quality traits, including retted stem weight, tensile strength, tensile strain and Young’s modulus, were evaluated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance at P≤0.05. Ifeken 400 and Ifeken 100 showed comparatively higher values for the assessed parameters, suggesting that these genotypes may have useful tolerance-related traits under water deficit and may be suitable  in areas with irregular rainfall.