Abstract
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is usually cultivated in upland fields. In the present study, we examined the growth of Kenaf (c.v.: Everglades 41) in a water logged paddy field at the Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, Univ. of Tsukuba in 2006 and 2007. Rice (Oryza sativa L. c.v.:Kusahonami and female sterility strain, FS—1) were also planted in the paddy field for comparison. Kenaf and rice seedlings were transplanted at the density of 15 cm×30 cm, in 2 m×5 m experimental plots in early June and middle of May, respectively, in both years. Kenaf and rice plants in the paddy field were cultivated under water control by rice cultivation method, and sampled at late July, late August, late September and late November. The growth of kenaf in the paddy field was inferior to that in the upland field. However, after late November, kenaf in the upland field showed retarded growth, although that in the paddy field continued to grow vigorously. After drainage of residual water in the paddy field for harvesting of rice, kenaf showed vigorous growth and kept some green leaves until the first frost. Although waterlogging severely affected the growth of kenaf, our results suggest that appropriate water management may enable satisfactory production of kenaf in paddy fields.
