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  Industrial Hemp Variety Trials: Results from the Manjimup trial site for the 2023-24 growing season quantity

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The resurgence of the industrial hemp industry, globally and within Australia, is being driven by hemp’s versatility, benefits and applications spanning food, textiles, building materials and environmental management. This potential makes it an attractive crop for regions such as southern Western Australia (WA). However, despite the promise, the broader adoption of industrial hemp is hindered by challenges, such as the lack of locally adapted seed varieties and optimal agronomic practices.

In conducting trials over three growing seasons (2021-2024) at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute, the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) program sought to address these challenges. The trials aimed to identify industrial hemp varieties best suited to the region’s climate and soils, while also determining the optimal sowing times for maximising yield and quality. Twelve varieties sourced from Australia and overseas were evaluated, with parameters such as grain yield, biomass production, oil content and THC levels assessed.

Key findings from the trials include:

(1) Varieties such as Henola, Bialobrzeskie and Ruby demonstrated superior performance in grain yield and biomass production. These varieties are recommended for cultivation in southern WA.

(2) Optimal sowing months for grain production are November and December. This sowing period ensures maximum yield potential and aligns with the region’s climate.

(3) Significant differences in grain yield were noted among the varieties. Henola and ECO-Excalibur consistently yielded highest, making them favourable choices for grain production.

(4) Seed germination rates varied significantly, from 36% to 82%, emphasising the need for seed suppliers to improve seed quality to ensure consistent crop establishment.

(5) All varieties maintained THC levels well below WA’s legislated 1% limit, confirming their compliance with industrial hemp regulations.

(6) Long-season varieties, such as Han Cold and Bama, had the highest dry matter production, indicating their suitability for biomass production. Short-season varieties were more suited for grain production.

These findings have significant implications for producers and the broader industry. By adopting the recommended varieties and sowing times, growers can improve productivity and profitability. Additionally, the results highlight the need for seed suppliers to prioritise germination rates and seed quality, which are critical to successful cultivation.