Kenaf germplasm introductions and assessment of their adaptability in Malaysia

A major agronomic and technical study was initiated by the Malaysian government to establish the practicality of growing kenaf under local farming conditions. Agronomic performance of 30 accessions were evaluated at MARDI Station, Serdang. Twelve accessions were studied for suitability as forage crops. The earliest to flower was Sungkai 1 while the latest was HC 75-22. The dry matter yields of stems were 2.2, 9.4 and 12.9 t/ha at 42, 86 and 127 days after transplanting respectively. Khon Kaen 60 and Cuba 108 ranked top in adaptability for forage production. Cumulative yield of forage for two harvest cycles of 6 and 8-weekly intervals ranged from 3.4 to 4.7 t/ha. The nutritive value of the accessions was comparable to that of alfalfa with high crude protein percentage and calcium content. The best performing accessions rated for fibre production were HC-117a and b, Cuba 108, HC 78 and HC 2032. Many accessions were susceptible to phytophthora and fusarium wilt. Further work on selection for disease and pest tolerance as well as photoperiod-insensitive kenaf accessions should be undertaken for improved forage and fibre crop production.