Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency And Yield Traits Of Dual-Purpose Industrial Hemp Cultivars In A Mediterranean Environment

Nowadays, the qualification of hemp as a multipurpose crop has resulted in a renewed interest globally. A two-year field study was conducted to determine the differences in yield performance and N response of three hemp cultivars. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replicates, three main plots (cultivars: 'Felina 32', 'Sanhtica 27', 'Futura 75') and sub-plots (N fertilization treatments: control, 180 kg ha(-1), 240 kg ha(-1)). At harvest time, inflorescence traits, seed, biomass yields and N concentrations were recorded. N use efficiency indicators, seed density and inflorescence fertility indexes were determined. The results indicated that all measurement traits, fertility indexes, N contents, N utilization and apparent recovery efficiencies were influenced by N fertilization. Yields, N concentrations and N content amounts both for biomass and seed in higher N rate were significantly increased up to 46%, 33%, 18%, 26%, 56% and 54% respectively, as compared to control. 'Futura 75' was more efficient in N utilization for biomass production than 'Felina 32' which had higher translocation efficiency. Seed density index positively correlated with seed yield, N content and N harvest index and can be proposed as a useful trait in selecting high yielding hemp cultivars.