INDUSTRIAL HEMP. Site Information: Location: Dauphin, Manitoba Seeded: May 16, 2003 Cooperator: Robert Baker Harvested: Sept.

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1 INDUSTRIAL HEMP Hemp Seeding Rate, Variety and Fibre Trial Site Information: Location: Dauphin, Manitoba Seeded: May 16, 2003 Cooperator: Robert Baker Harvested: Sept. 8, 2003 Background: Industrial hemp requires long term variety testing. Previous to the licensing of industrial hemp in 1998, all varieties were imported for growers for European countries. Research of these newly licensed varieties is required under Manitoba conditions to evaluate performance, lodging, maturity, and height, seed and fibre yield. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different hemp varieties and seeding rates have on seed and fiber yield. Design, Materials and Operation: 4 varieties of hemp were planted at 3 different seeding rates making 12 treatments (Table 1). The treatments were replicated 4 times in plots of 1.2m by 8m. Planting was done on May 16. Fertilizer was broadcasted prior to seeding (Table 2). Weeds were sprayed with Poast and Pardner on July 2 and with Select on July16. On Sept. 8 the plots were combined. Table 1. Hemp Variety and Seeding Rates Variety Seeding Rate Variety Seeding Rate USO seeds/m 2 Alyssa 100 seeds/m 2 USO seeds/m 2 Alyssa 200 seeds/m 2 USO seeds/m 2 Alyssa 300 seeds/m 2 USO seeds/m 2 Zolo seeds/m 2 USO seeds/m 2 Zolo seeds/m 2 USO seeds/m 2 Zolo seeds/m kernel weights for 2003 (Table 3) were used to determine the targetseeding rate kernel weights can vary depending on the degree the seeds have been sized during cleaning. 63

2 Table 3: 1000 kernel Weight 2003 Variety Grams per 1000 seeds USO USO Alyssa 18 Zolo Table 2. Soil Test Results Estimated Available Nutrients N* P K S** lbs/ac >160 Fertilizer Applied N P K S Actual lbs/ac * Nitrate-N **Sulfate-S Results: The plot site was very dry this season. There was adequate moisture for excellent germination and plant stand establishment. Rep 1 had poor weed control and had to be destroyed. Zolo 11 yields were variable so cannot be presented in this report. Varieties: Varieties tested are the main ones that have been available to Manitoba producers over the past years. USO 14 and 31, and ZOLO 11 (Zolotonosha 11) are varieties that have been developed and Maintained in Ukraine. Seed sources being used are from breeder seed imported when the industry first started in ALYSSA is a new variety to be licensed for 2004 that has been breed and selected for Manitoba. This is the first registered dual purpose, grain and fibre variety suitable for growing in Manitoba conditions. This variety has been produced to meet CFIA inspections. Registration has been applied for and complete registration of the new variety "ALYSSA" is expected over the winter of Seed will be available for planting as foundation seed in The variety is being registered as a female predominant variety with THC content below 0.15%. Plant height is medium at 150 to 180 mm tall with medium branching. Stem and leaf color is green with a medium stem inter node. Leaf color intensity is medium with a medium leaf size. 64

3 Acceptable levels of variants include 85% female, and 15% male plants. Most female plants are monoecious types. 50% of female plants will produce large seeds (seed density over 23 grams/1000 seeds). Off types include late flowering male plants or very tall plants (over 50% of the average height of the crop). Some red stems or leaves. Plant Stands: Chart 1: Tarbet vs Hemp Actual Plant Stand vs Target Seeding Rate Plants per m USO USO USO USO USO USO Alyssa 200 Alyssa 300 Alyssa 100 Zolo 200 Zolo 300 Zolo Plant Stands were counted (one sq. m) starting June 27 th or 42 days after emergence (Chart 1). These were compared to the original target-seeding rate at the different plant populations. On average all varieties at all seeding rates had an actual seeding survival of 83% of the target-seeding rate. Growth Rate: Chart 2: Height (cm) Alyssa Weekly Growth Rate Dauphin June 27 July 3 July 10 July 17 July 25 July 31 7-Aug 65

4 Plant growth or height was measured weekly (Chart 2) to get an indication of the elongation and rate of growth of the crop and varieties. All varieties grow and elongate very rapidly during the month of July. By early August, the elongation has slowed down and the plants were generally no longer elongating. This coincides with the early to mid flowering with all the varieties. Industrial Hemp Grain Yields: Industrial Hemp Grain Yields (Table 4, Chart 3) in the Dauphin plot were considered low in The summer was hot and the plots received little rainfall. Harvest was September 8, which was 115 days from seeding to harvest. All varieties reached maturity. Zolo 11 yields were very variable and cannot be included. As observed in other years, the increased seeding rate does not generally increase grain yield. This suggests the 100 plants per m2 target seeding rate is giving optimum grain yields. Lower seeding rates have been observed in fields to give good yields but the size of the head increases to compensate which greatly increases the risk of stem breakage due to strong winds and or driving rains. Table 4: 2003 Grain Yield Industrial Hemp Grain Yield Dauphin 2003 Variety Target Rate Yield (lbs./acre) USO USO USO USO USO USO Alyssa Alyssa Alyssa

5 Chart 3: Industrial Hemp Grain Yield Yield (Lbs./acre) USO USO USO USO USO USO Alyssa 200 Alyssa 300 Alyssa Industrial Hemp Fibre Yields: Varieties were planted at increasing target seeding rates to evaluate the effect of plant population on yield potential of fibre. The site was very dry for the summer and resulted in low overall yields. Total Tonnes per acre (Table 5) of fibre yield, reflects the dry matter yield of the total hemp plant including stems, branches, and leaves. These yields (Table 5, Chart 4) reflect 100% of all plant material that was produced. Harvesting and equipment losses would have to be accounted for and would result in lower yields. Fibre only yield represents the yield of the stalks after they have been stripped of all leaves and branches. This would be the hurd and bast fibre that a processing plant would use for processing products. These yields represent the total possible fibre grown. Machinery losses would mean a lower yield on field scale. Table 5: Total Hemp Fibre Yield (tonnes per acre) Variety & Target Seeding Rate Total Tonnes/acre 1 Fibre only Tonnes/acre 2 % Loss of Weight USO 31 (200) % USO 14 (200) % Alyssa (300) % USO 14 (100) % Alyssa (100) % USO 14 (300) % USO 31 (300) % USO 31 (100) % Alyssa (200) % Average % 1 Represents the total dried plant material produced on one acre 2 Represents the total production of stems without leaves or branches 67

6 On the average, 40% of the hemp plant total dry weight is made up of leaves and small stems. On average this would represent about.87 tonnes per acre of a loss of total biomass in Industrial Hemp Fibre Yield Dauphin 3003 Stalks Only Fibre Total Fibre Yield Yield (tonnes/acre) USO 31 (200) USO 14 (200) Alyssa (300) USO 14 (10 0) Alyssa (10 0) USO 14 (300) USO 31 (300) USO 31 (10 0) Alyssa (200) Producer Fibre Yields: Square metre samples were taken from Producer fields to estimate the potential fibre production from large fields. The total tonnes/acre (Table 6) represents the total fibre available for harvest. The Fibre only yields represent the useable fibre or the fibre left after the branches and leaves are stripped from the stem. Harvest losses would make the actual baled fibre yield lower. 68

7 Table 6: Producer Fields - Fibre Estimates Dauphin 2003 Field Identification Total Tonnes/acre 1 Fibre only Tonnes/acre 2 % Loss of Weight No. Plants/m2 NE % 48 NW % 42 NW % 38 SW % 50 SW % 38 SW % 38 SW % 44 SW % 40 SW % 28 1 Represents the total dried plant material produced on one acre 2 Represents the total production of stems without leaves or branches Harvested August 13, 2003 Important Considerations and Recommendations: Industrial Hemp is still a very new crop in Canada and Manitoba. It is presently being grown mainly for grain and or as a dual-purpose crop for grain and in anticipation of developing fibre markets. Conclusions: The varieties that have been grown over the past years perform reasonably well under Manitoba conditions. Agronomy work on seeding rates and variety performance needs to be further fine-tuned depending on the proposed market or end-use. These trials indicate the new variety "ALYSSA" does yield at least as good as existing varieties and hints it may be better. Further testing is required. These trials give some background information but must be considered results from one year and one location so must be used with appropriate caution. 69

8 Industrial Hemp Breeding Program Site Information: Location: Dauphin, Manitoba Seeded: May 16, 2003 Cooperator: Robert Baker Harvested: Sept. 8, 2003 Background: Industrial Hemp was licensed for commercial production in Canada in The industry started by importing seed stocks from Europe, mainly France and Ukraine. To date the commercial production has been from that seed stock. Any production must be from certified seed stock. Health Canada regulations stipulate all seed planted must be of a pedigreed status or in other words no commercial or bin run seed can be used. For the Hemp industry to establish and be sustainable there must be a plant-breeding program to supply certified varieties. In 2003, there was about 5,000 acres of Industrial Hemp grown in Manitoba. This was contracted with two Manitoba firms located in Winnipeg. Peter Dragla, Industrial Hemp Plant Breeder carried a hemp plantbreeding program at the University of Guelph starting in In 2002, PIHG, (Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Co-op Ltd.) assumed the program and began a plant breeding program for Manitoba varieties. Objective: This project is for development of a plant breeding program for Industrial Hemp to supply varieties that are suitable for the new industry in Manitoba as it develops for fibre and grain processing. The goal is to select suitable germplasm with low THC content (under 0.3%) and breeding of two industrial hemp varieties. 1) Dioecious, fibre type cultivars and 2) two large seed, monoecious, grain type, dualpurpose cultivars adaptable to Canadian climatic conditions in Manitoba. Design, Materials and Operation: The Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers (PIHG) formed an alliance with Peter Dragla, Industrial Hemp Breeder, and University of Guelph for the development of low THC industrial hemp varieties suitable for growing in Manitoba for fibre and grain production. All industrial hemp lines produced in 2002 were grouped based on agronomic characteristics to produce new fibre and grain type varieties. Further selections for agronomic characteristics were made in Guelph and Manitoba in 2003 for earlier maturing lines suitable for Manitoba. 70

9 Grain Varieties: Objective is to produce a large seeded, low THC, taller variety that could be used as a dual-purpose variety (grain and/or fibre) 1) Based on 2002 selections, one line showed good potential that it could be licensed as a variety after one more year of selections that will be done in This would make available breeder or foundation seed for It's best fit is as a grain variety. 1.5 acres of this potential variety were planted in Dauphin. CFIA inspection and registration was applied for. Further selection & THC screening was done in 2003 for improvement of the variety. 2) An advanced line was tested at a Dauphin location. A potential large seed, single leafed grain variety was planted in a selection plot. (.25 acre). This line has potential as being visually distinguishable in the field and higher GLA content in the oil. Selections of large seed crossings from 2003 will be crossed again to work towards producing monoecious lines. Fibre Varieties: 1) Objective is to produce a late maturing, tall, low THC, high yielding fibre only variety. The variety may or may not mature for grain in all of Manitoba..5 acres of this potential variety were planted in Dauphin in Breeding and crossing of germplasm to be done at Ridgetown College, Ontario. The Ontario location is desirable to work on developing fibre variety(s) in terms of the photoperiod and flowering so seed set will occur for the seed production. The longer photoperiod will increase the size of the plant which will mean higher fibre yields in Manitoba. A fibre type potential variety was planted in Dauphin area in (.5 acre) All potential varieties were planted in selection plots, isolated 5 km apart in accordance with CSGA and CFIA requirements for seed production. Selections were made from all plots based on Low THC, Yield potential and maturity. PCDF equipment and summer staff was used to seed and maintain the plots in the Dauphin area. Results: 1) Grain Variety: The first objective has been met of registering a dual purpose, grain and fibre variety suitable for growing in Manitoba conditions. This variety from 1.5-acre production has been rouged and produced to meet CFIA inspections. Registration has been applied for and complete registration of the new variety "ALYSSA" is expected over the winter. Approx. 700 lbs. of clean seed is available for planting as foundation seed in 2004 or when needed. 71

10 The variety is being registered as a female predominant variety with THC content below 0.15%. Plant height is medium at 150 to 180 mm tall with medium branching. Stem and leaf color is green with a medium stem inter node. Leaf color intensity is medium with a medium leaf size. Acceptable levels of variants include 85% female, and 15% male plants. Most female plants are monoecious type. 50% of female plants will produce large seeds (seed density over 20 grams/1000 seeds). Off types include late flowering male plants or very tall plants (over 50% of the average height of the crop). Some red stems or leaves. Seed size is large, with a seed density of 23 grams. This success ensures the industry has a variety they can grow in Manitoba for grain and the developing fibre industry. Certified seed supplies should be multiplied out to coincide with the demand in 2 to 3 years. 2) Fibre variety: Potential name DELORIS. A plot (.5 acre) was produced and rouged in Dauphin in The variety was later maturing and did have mature seed. Selections were taken from the plot for THC screening and for further selection plots in This line is 1 to 3 years away from registration. 3) Single Leaf Variety/line: Potential name IDA. This potential variety is field distinguishable by its unique single leaf characteristic. This selection may also have unique GLA characteristics when produced for grain. It is 3 to 5 years away as selections need to be made for uniformity of the variety, GLA, and low THC. A plot.25 acre in size was planted, and rouged for this variety at Dauphin. Important Considerations and Recommendations: A plant-breeding program providing certified seed is essential for the Industrial Hemp Industry to be sustainable. Under Health Canada Production guidelines, all commercial fields must be of certified seed - that is no bin run seed is allowed. The PIHG plant-breeding program has had very positive, cost effective results from the germ plasm and program being carried out with University of Guelph. The PIHG plant-breeding program with its progress and success this year makes this program the leader in the Industrial Hemp industry in Canada. Conclusions: The program has been successful by meeting the 1 st goal of having one variety (ALYSSA) registered and will be available in sufficient quantities in 2 to 3 years when the existing supplies of certified seed from other sources have been exhausted. The program has been very essential to the establishment of the industry and has been very cost effective. Without a certified seed supply the fledgling industry cannot establish or grow. 72

11 Photo Page Peter Dragla in "ALYSSA" Aug 14, "ALYSSA" September 24, 2003 "ALYSSA" Close up Combining "ALYSSA" Sept 24, Combining "ALYSSA" Sept 24, Combining "ALYSSA" Sept 24, 73

12 Industrial Hemp Nitrogen Fertilizer Trial Site Information: Location: Dauphin, Manitoba Seeded: May 16, 2003 Cooperator: Robert Baker Harvested: Sept. 8, 2003 Background: Industrial hemp fertility requirements have not been extensively researched. Currently, the recommendations or guidelines being used are similar to those for Canola. More work is needed to fine-tune the recommendations specific for economically growing hemp under Manitoba conditions. Objective: To evaluate levels of nitrogen fertilizer and its effect on hemp seed yield, and plant height. Design, Materials and Operation: In this trial, the hemp variety, Alyssa, was planted at a target-seeding rate of 100 seeds/m 2 with 4 different nitrogen treatments (Table 1). The treatments were replicated 4 times in plots of 1.2m by 8m in a randomized complete block design. The plot was seeded on May 16. Nitrogen fertilizer was side-banded. The plot was sprayed with Select and Pardner on July 2 and with Poast on July 16. Harvest occurred on September 8.. Table 1. Pounds of Actual Nitrogen/Acre Applied to the Different Treatments Treatment # Lbs of Actual N/ac Table 2. Soil Test Results Estimated Available Nutrients N* P K S** Lbs/ac >160 * Nitrate-N **Sulfate-S 74

13 Results: The plot had good uniform emergence but suffered all summer from limited rainfall. Plant population averaged 20 plants per square metre. The soil test indicated there was a high level of Nitrate Nitrogen in the soil before planting (Table 2). Yields were variable (Table 3, chart 1). Table 3: Yield Response to Nitrogen Treatment Yield (Lb./ac) 0 lb. actual N/acre lb. actual N/acre lb. actual N/acre lb. actual N/acre 547 Chart 1: N Response Yield lbs./acre) Hemp Nitrogen Fertility Trial Dauphin lb actual N/acre50 lb actual N/acre 100 lb actual N/acre 150 lb actual N/acre There was no significant difference in yield by adding nitrogen. The nitrate nitrogen level was very high in the soil before planting so yield potential likely was reached from the soil. 75

14 Plant Height The plots averaged about 174 cm or 6 feet tall (Chart 2). This is not considered tall for hemp. The plant height on average decreased slightly with increasing rates of nitrogen. By adding 100 lbs. actual per acre nitrogen, the height decreased by 8 cm (3 inches) which would not be considered significant. The dry summer had an effect on the height of the hemp plants. There was no lodging of the crop at the varied nitrogen rates. Chart 2: Hemp Height Response to Nitrogen Height (cm) Nitrogen Trial Average Plant Height Dauphin O Nitrogen 50 lb/a N 100 lb/a N 150 lb/a N Important Considerations and Recommendations: Rep 1 was mowed out due to uneven plant emergence. The plot did not show a typical response curve to the application of increasing rates of nitrate nitrogen. The soil test did show a high rate of nitrate nitrogen in the soil. No lodging was observed at any of the rates Conclusions: Industrial Hemp is a user of high rates of nitrate nitrogen. The initial rates as indicated in the soil test were adequate for the crop to reach its potential under the dry growing conditions in This trial is from one location, for one year only. The results were variable and should be used with caution. 76

15 Hemp Clipping Trial Site Information: Location: Dauphin, Manitoba Seeded: May 16, 2003 Cooperator: Robert Baker Harvested: Sept. 8, 2003 Background: Industrial Hemp is a tall growing plant. Some discussions have asked the question of "what if" hemp was clipped, would it make it shorter and easier to handle for combining and what effect would this have on growth and grain yield. Objective: To determine the effect on grain yield and harvest height of hemp when clipped at two different heights. Design, Materials and Operation: In this trial, two treatments (Table 1) of the hemp variety, Alyssa, were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. The 1.2m by 8m plots were seeded at a rate of 100 seeds/m 2 on May 16. Fertilizer was broadcast prior to planting (Table 2). The plot was sprayed with Poast and Pardner on July 2 and with Select on July16. On July 7, the plots were cut to the two different heights of 4 and 12 above the ground. On Sept. 8 the plots were harvested, samples were cleaned, and weighed. Table 1. Hemp Cutting Treatments Treatments Short 4 inches 10 cm. Tall 12 inches 30 cm. *cut on July 7, 2003 Table 2. Soil Test Results Estimated Available Nutrients N* P K S** lbs/ac >160 Fertilizer Applied N P K S Actual lbs/ac * Nitrate-N **Sulphate-S 77

16 Results: The plots suffered from very dry and hot conditions after the clipping was done therefore the observations are general. The hemp after clipping died back on the main stem to the first node. The plant then branched out with generally two shoots or branches at the next lower node. Regrowth was very slow and probably not representative of what could be expected in a normal year. Unclipped hemp had a height of 146 cm. or about 15% taller than the hemp that was clipped in the "30 cm" plot. Branching after Clipping The Hemp that was clipped at the lowest level (4 inches, or 10 cm.) did not recover and grow very well. It provided little competition. Weed control was a problem later in the season. The height of clipping, or the number of nodes above ground, seems to make a difference to the plant recovery. It would appear there is a minimum number of nodes that are required on the stem for the plant to recover and still produce grain. Chart 1: Industrial Hemp Clipping Trial Height (cm) Clipping Height 125 Harvest Height Short - 10 cm Tall - 30 cm Variety Avg. Yield (bu/ac) Alyssa - short 157 Alyssa - tall 241 Yield data was taken for informational purposes only. This was not a replicated trial. Drought did not give the hemp a chance to regrow. 78

17 Important Considerations and Recommendations: This trial was initiated to see if the practice of clipping hemp after emergence, could be used as a tool to shorten the plant and make the combining of hemp easier. Clipping Hemp, if feasible, could be used for management of specific parts of fields that always exhibit tall growth (e.g. river flats) or heavier soils that generally produce a tall crop. Based on this year's experience, it was observed that the plant will recover and produce mature grain. The actual yield numbers should be used with caution. The year was hot with little rainfall, which had a real impact on the recovery of the hemp plants. The height of clipping needs to be evaluated as well as the effect on different plant stages at clipping time. Plant tramping at cutting is another variable that would have to be evaluated field scale. Conclusions: Industrial Hemp is a tall growing plant. Producers find they can harvest for grain relatively easy with some modifications to their combines. Most agree that the ideal height is about 8 feet tall but anywhere up to 10 feet is manageable. This trial demonstrates that hemp can be clipped and it will recover to produce some mature grain for harvest. If hemp can be clipped as investigated and the yield can be comparable, the practice is worth investigating. This would be a management practice useful for certain fields and growing conditions. The clipping trial needs to be continued over more growing seasons for a better understanding of its effect. No recommendations are made at this time. 79