Fibers development in a dioecious hemp cultivar: the role of plant sex and cultivation conditions

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a well-known crop with great potential to produce fibers without being excessively water and nutrient demanding. Moreover, hemp can be considered viable sustainable alternative reach cleaner production in the garment industry. Accurate information on fiber traits will enhance exploitation of textile biofuel The aim this work was investigate cyto-histological characteristics primary secondary through semi-thin sections light microscopy approach. To purpose, we cultivated open field dioecious variety under two different sowing densities fertilization regimes. We confirmed prominent role sex influencing all analyzed traits; moreover, found possibility mitigate it by changing density regime. In particular, cell wall thickening reduced female plants high fertilization. male plants, combining low density, development deeply increased. Cell area, both plant sexes, Operating these simple agronomic aspects could thus result desired amount fibers/lignin, depending final purpose cultivation.