Performance and mycorrhizal colonization of industrial hemp varieties under regenerative organic systems in Northeastern region

Abstract

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop with applications in fiber, seeds, and medicine. Recent legalization has renewed interest in industrial hemp in the United States, particularly in fiber production, which has a critical role in carbon (C) sequestration and various industries, including textiles and construction. A 2-year field experiment (2022–2023) was conducted at Rodale Institute—Pocono Organic Center, Blakeslee, PA, evaluating the performance of four hemp varieties (MS 77, Futura 75, Santhica 27, and Han NE) under regenerative organic systems. Seed rates were considered as 73 kg ha⁻¹ for Santhica 27 and Futura 75, 135 kg ha⁻¹ for MS 77, and 270 kg ha⁻¹ for Han NE, targeting a plant population of 2.47 million plant ha⁻¹ across varieties. Data on canopy cover, plant height, yields (biomass, stem, leaf, and flower), and cannabinoids were collected to assess the effects of variety and environmental conditions on growth and yield. Root samples from 2023 were also analyzed for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization. Han NE demonstrated the highest growth, yields, and canopy cover, followed by MS 77, with more favorable growing conditions in 2023. Additionally, AMF colonization was consistent across varieties, reporting a higher colonization in MS 77 (45.37%), suggesting enhanced nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Based on the results, Han NE and MS 77 are promising hemp varieties for fiber production in this region. Further research is required to explore the impact of mycorrhizal colonization on hemp production under varying nutrient conditions for sustainable production.