Performance of new and traditional fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars for novel applications: stem, bark and core yield and chemical composition

Finding a use for all components of hemp is key to improving the overall economics of fiber production from this crop. In this context, the core, a by-product of fiber production, has become increasingly important for new innovative applications. The aim of the present study was to compare traditional and new dioecious and monoecious fiber hemp cultivars in a 2-year field experiment in Central Italy, evaluating the variations on their fiber yield, bark and core production, and their chemical composition. The obtained results underlined the interesting potentiality of the new dioecious genotypes characterised by interesting fiber an non-fiber components which make appealing their utilization in several woven and non-woven applications. Thanks to the interesting chemical properties recorded for the core fraction, the full use of hemp biomass in a cascade approach can contribute to the total valorization of this versatile fiber crop for a modern biorefinery facility.