Bark:Core Ratio Relationships in Kenaf

Currently, the main interest for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is due to the peculiar characteristics of the stem and of its fibres in particular. The two main components of the stem are the external part, containing the longer fibres (bark), and the inner part containing shorter fibres (core). The outer bark fibres are very appreciated for several industrial products, as high grade pulps for paper, composite boards and textiles (Mc Millin et al., 1998). Conversely, the inner core fibres have a smaller market value and are suitable for products such as pulps for packaging, animal bedding, sorbents and horticultural mixes (Muzzarelli, 1994). Therefore, for defining the industrial quality of stalks, the bark : core ratio is one of the most important parameters to evaluate. In this work data from a research carried out in southern Italy are reported, to assess the pattern and some relationships of the bark : core ratio during the whole crop cycle of the kenaf