Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), A Multi‐use Crop1

Abstract Possible new economic uses for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) include feed for livestock, paper‐pulp, and bean poles. The crude protein content of 55‐day‐old kenaf leaves and petioles exceeds 25% and for the whole plant, excluding roots, averages 16 to 17%. Kenaf has been found acceptable as a paper‐pulp or as a pulp to be blended with wood pulp. Yields of 20,000 kg/ha of dry kenaf stems are produced in the South with slightly lower yields in South Central and Central states. Kenaf is susceptible to root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and M. incognita acrita) and should be grown on soil free of these organisms. Intake of kenaf silage, experimentally by cattle, has been satsifactory, however sheep have not liked it as silage.