Plant Development and Stem Yield of Non‐domestic Fibre Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivars in Long‐day Growth Conditions in Finland

Abstract

Plant development and stem yield of mono‐ and dioecious fibre hemp cultivars (Cannabis sativa L.), introduced to Finland from regions of lower latitude, were studied in field experiments under long‐day growth conditions in 1995–96. Plant density, plant mortality rate, stem elongation and stem yield were determined. Plant densities at seedling stage were less than the targeted viable seeds sown m−2. Seedling densities differed significantly among cultivars, but had no significant effect on plant mortality rate in 1996. Plant mortality during the 1996 growing season averaged 34 plants m−2. Stem elongation was measured at one‐week intervals throughout the growing time. The elongation among cultivars was different and depended on the date of measurement. Rapid elongation began five to six weeks after sowing and elongation was most pronounced in July. Dioecious cultivars were significantly taller than monoecious ones in 1995 but not in 1996 when hemp stands were dense, nitrogen was deficient and an infection of Botrytis vinerea was present. Dioecious cultivars produced higher stem yields than monoecious ones. However, in 1996 the difference in yield was not statistically significant among most of the cultivars, Cultivar Uso 11 was early maturing and produced highest stem yield among monoecious cultivars; it also competed well with the higher yielding dioecious cultivars.

Northern Limits to Fiber Hemp Production in Europe

“…Stem length for Felina was 180 in the beginning of flowering and 204 cm at the end. In earlier studies (Sankari and Mela, 1998), the growth had been found to cease at flowering. However, usually hemp continues to elongate between the beginning and the end of flowering if climate circumstances are favorable for growth.…”

Hempseeds (Cannabis spp.) as a source of functional food ingredients, prebiotics and phytosterols

“…Hemp cultivation at high latitudes was considered to promote the high antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of its seed and oil (Blade et al 2005). The industrial cultivar USO 11 was recommended for cultivation in Finland as an early-maturing variety (Sankari and Mela 1998). Other cultivars, such as USO 31, Beniko and Bialobrzeskie, were evaluated as suitable for the long-day growth conditions prevailing in Finland (Sankari 2000).…”

Microbial quality of linseed and fibre hemp plants during growing and harvest seasons

“…The cultivation was carried out with the procedure commonly used in Finland (Sankari 1998, Hongisto et al 2000. Linseed was sown on both years (2001 and 2002) at a seed density of 68 kg ha -1 and hemp at ca.…”