Economical important characteristics of five hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) in fields trials at Markišavci near Murska Sobota

Abstract

Five varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa), aimed at stem or seed production, were plotted in the field experiment (4 random blocks) at Markišavci location near Murska Sobota, in north-eastern part of Slovenia. Two sawing dates were applied: the first in April (main crop) and the second in July (stubble crop). Each of the experimental plots (4 repetitions within one treatment) was designed on the area of 30 m². The results of the D ⁹-THC analysis, based on EU prescribed methods, showed that plant samples, obtained from the upper third of the female or hermaphrodite plants of tested varieties 'Unico-B', 'Juso-11', 'Bialobrzeskie' and 'Beniko', did not exceed the limit of 0.2 % THC (EU regulation). This is the reason, why these varieties seem acceptable for cultivation purposes in Slovenia. On the contrary, 'Novosadska konoplja' exceeded the legally allowed D ⁹-THC concentration in the upper third of crop plants, sampled in August (0.84 %) and September (0.82 %) as well as in all samples in 2001. These elevated amounts of D ⁹-THC considerably influenced the average content of D ⁹-THC in plant samples of 'Novosadska konoplja' (0.46 % in 2000 and 0.34 % in 2001). The highest stem and seed yields per ha in production year 2000 were obtained with 'Novosadska konoplja' (stem yield 4465 kg/ha, seed yield 654 kg/ha), when both applied technologies and sawing dates were considered. In 2001, the average stem and seed yields of 'Unico-B' (stem yield 4150 kg/ha, seed yield 333 kg/ha) exceeded (2.9 % and 62.8 %) those of 'Novosadska konoplja' for stem and seed yield, respectively. When considering other economically important characteristics of hemp production (plant height, the periode of technological maturity of seeds, the contents of essential- and fatty oils) a significant differences in respond of tested varieties to the applied technologies or sawing dates were observed.