Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Trials in Southern Sweden 1999-2001

Abstract

Abstract Results from hemp experiments in European countries indicate that long day conditions may be beneficial for the fibre content and quality of hemp. The long day conditions during summer in Sweden are therefore of interest. This paper presents results from the first fibre hemp experiments carried out in Sweden since the 1960s. Field trials were performed in southern Sweden, during the years 1999-2001, testing three monoecious varieties (Felina, Fedora and Futura) at seed rates of 30 and 60 kg/ha. Total biomass yield in autumn varied from 7.8 to 14.5 ton DM/ha and fibre yield from 1.9 to 3.3 ton DM/ha. The highest fibre yields per hectare were produced by the variety Futura, the lowest by Fedora. The seed rates 30 and 60 kg/ha gave similar biomass and fibre yields, but the plant density was lower and the stem diameter was larger at 30 kg/ha. Results of chemical analyses of stem and leaves are presented.