Finding uses for kenaf

Dr. Marty Fuller

A native of north Africa, kenaf produces a high quality fiber in its bark. The fiber's natural strength makes it popular for rope throughout the world.

"The primary focus of our research has been product development and potential commercialization," said Dr. Marty Fuller, professor of agricultural economics. "Because of the work of more than 18 scientists at Mississippi State, that is beginning to happen."

Before MAFES scientists began studying kenaf's row crop potential, other uses for the fiber and discarded parts of the plant had not been explored.

In 1989, MAFES scientists began trials on kenaf varieties, fertility, row spacing, plant population density, herbicide tolerance and carryover, insect resistance, and pre-harvest drying. The plant proved to be fast growing, increasing its length by more than a foot a week under Mississippi conditions.

At the outset, researchers had limited information on kenaf tolerance to herbicides, and no herbicides were labeled for use on the crop. Initial MAFES studies led to registered approval of four herbicides for kenaf.

The farmers who initially inquired about kenaf's potential have formed a cooperative. Together they now grow more than 2,800 acres of the crop in Tallahatchie County and the surrounding area. With Congressman Jamie Whitten's assistance, a kenaf processing plant was established on a 12-acre site in Charleston's industrial park.

Today, Fuller said, two new businesses have located adjacent to the facility. "Agro Fibers is a non-woven company that will manufacture a kenaf mat that can be used for sod. The company also will manufacture an erosion mat and oil-absorbent pads that have industrial uses." A second manufacturer, Core Products, will produce animal bedding and industrial absorbents, among other products. "These products are particularly appealing from an environmental standpoint," Fuller said.

The fibrous bark of the kenaf plant has potential in specialty pulp markets. Because of its strength it can replace flax in cigarette papers, and it can be used in high quality papers for use in Bibles and stationery. It also strengthens recycled newsprint.

Engineers have designed a new harvester which cuts and separates the fibers and allows much more flexibility in fiber lengths. As a result, several textile applications are now being investigated. One is for non-wovens such as those in disposable medical clothing. "The kenaf will allow medical clothing to 'breathe,' and it will contribute to biodegradability," Fuller explained. Kenaf also may be used in lower grade wovens such as tablecloths, placemats, and furniture underlays. And there is a potential for developing high grade wovens for the fashion industry. "A kenaf-cotton blend gives a linen or raw silk look, providing interesting textures for fashion fabrics," he said.

MAFES researchers also are finding uses for parts of the kenaf plant now being discarded. Its core is highly absorbent, floats on a wet surface, and can be easily skimmed off or removed. Among its potential applications are oil spill cleanup materials, kitty litter, poultry litter, and animal bedding; a carrier for pesticides; a plant potting medium; and a composite product with good insulation and acoustical properties.

The kenaf plant top, rich in protein, holds possibilities for use in livestock feeds and as a supplemental forage.

Research on kenaf is in its early stages. On the horizon are efforts to develop varieties through tissue culture and biotechnology applications to improve resistance, yield, and fiber strength. "We think we have verified the agronomic strengths of kenaf," Fuller said. "Now we see the potential to increase yields from a breeding standpoint.

"Our research will continue to provide information that the private sector must have before kenaf becomes commercially viable. This is an outstanding example of cooperation between a wide range of university researchers and Mississippi farmers to develop opportunities for the state," Fuller said.

--Maridith Geuder and Patti Drapala