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Growth and development of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in response to irrigation treatments

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 14:17 authored by Vijay Kumar, I, Tina AcunaTina Acuna, Lisson, S, Marcus HardieMarcus Hardie
Opportunity exists for Australian growers to develop a commercial cannabis/hemp industry to meet global demand for seed, fibre and pharmaceutical products. Development of a commercial scale hemp industry requires improved knowledge of hemp crop water relations to maximise yield, understand irrigation requirements in new production regions, and for scheduling of harvest. Currently little is known of the hemp plant-water relations. This study sought to evaluate the growth, development and physiology of industrial hemp under varying irrigation treatments. A preliminary greenhouse experiment was conducted to monitor response of industrial hemp cultivar Ferimon 12 to different irrigation treatments (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 day intervals). We found significantly taller plants for 2 day compared with the 8 and 10 day irrigation intervals. Significantly higher above ground dry biomass was observed for plants irrigated with 6, 8 and 10 day intervals compared to the 2 and 4 days interval at 42 DAS. Significantly higher PSII photochemical capacity (Fv/Fm) and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was observed for plants irrigated with 6 and 10 day intervals compared with the 2 day intervals. There for 6 day irrigation interval is probably the best frequency of irrigation. Results from the preliminary experiment will be used to inform the design of future research which will be used to develop irrigation recommendations and refine the hemp crop simulation model to further support farmer decision making regarding water management.

Funding

Martha Jane Medical

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 19th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference

Editors

J Pratley

Pagination

1-4

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Australian Society of Agronomy

Place of publication

Victoria, Australia

Event title

19th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference

Event Venue

Wagga Wagga, NSW

Date of Event (Start Date)

2019-08-25

Date of Event (End Date)

2019-08-29

Rights statement

Copyright unknown

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Industrial crops not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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