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Morphological Development and Yield Potential in Hesperaloe Funifera (AGAVACEAE), An Experimental Fibre Crop for Dry Regions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

Steven P. McLaughlin
Steven P. McLaughlin
Affiliation:
Office of Arid Lands Studies, University of Arizona, 845 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85719, USA
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Summary

Hesperaloe funifera (Agavaceae) is an experimental fibre crop which produces strong, fine fibres with potential uses in the specialty-paper industry. Hesperaloe's agronomic potential was evaluated in two long-term studies. The plant is a perennial with a rosette habit. Growth occurred by production of new leaves from the primary rosette until Year 3 and from secondary rosettes from Year 3 on. Rates of biomass growth increased over the five years studied. High-density stands (27 000 plants ha-l) produced 190 t fresh weight ha-1 after five years. Plots harvested once, after Year 5, produced more biomass than plots harvested twice, after Years 3 and 5. Increased biomass production can be achieved by improved stand establishment and nutrient management.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 31 , Issue 3 , July 1995 , pp. 345 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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