Tasmania Hemp (Cannabis) Fiber and Seed Cultivar Field Trials—2018-2019

Abstract

Tasmania has a temperate climate well-suited for hemp production, is located nearer to the south pole than other regions of Australia, and therefore presents an important location for hemp variety trials. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of hemp (Cannabis) fiber and seed cultivars from various geographical origins and latitudes when grown in southern Tasmania. Seventeen registered hemp cultivars were sown on three dates in large replicate trial blocks to allow combine harvesting and collection of accurate yield data. Results are discussed with respect to site selection, crop performance, sowing dates, sowing rates, crop development, pest infestation, THC levels, seed yields, crop management and cultivar selection. Canadian cultivars performed well for grain seed production with the highest yields and their short crop height accom-modates mechanical harvesting. French cultivars yielded much less seed than Canadian cultivars and grew to heights nearly beyond the reach of a standard grain header. Chinese cultivars flowered too late to produce viable seeds and are not suitable for hemp seed grain production in Tasmania, although their vigorous growth and late flowering makes them good candidates for biomass production. THC levels in the sampled Chinese cultivars were too high for seed production, but those that do not flower at Tasmanian latitudes are suitable for fiber and biomass production.