Evaluation of morphological traits and functional characteristics of hemp (Cannabis ‎sativa L.) by stability test

In this study, in order to investigate morphological characteristics, yield of fiber, essential oil and seed oil yields, seeds of two native ecotypes from Iran and one foreign variety (Fedora17) with its progenies (Fedora17-2) were cultivated in research fields of three locations (Gilan, Golestan, and Alborz province) in Iran and their morphological and phytochemical characteristics were studied. The greatest height and shoot dry matter were observed in Fedora17 and its progenies while the widest coverage and thickest stem was observed in the native ecotypes of Iran. Also, the oil content varied from 18.88% in Fedora17-2 to 40.09 % in Yazd. The highest oil yield was observed in native ecotype of Fars (820 kg ha-1) and Yazd (830 kg ha-1). Plant height fluctuated from 99.7 cm in Safrabasteh to 197.5 cm in Alborz. Fiber yield ranged from 1569 kg ha-1 in Safrabasteh to13991 kg ha-1 in Alborz. The hemp cultivated in Alborz, in terms of morphological and reproductive properties and fiber yield was significantly better compared to the other stations. The oil yield per plant was 11.35 kg in Chalaky station to 36.39 kg in Alborz  station. Therefore, cannabis cultivation is recommended in Alborz with average production of 13991 kg ha-1 fiber, 2.2 t ha-1 essential oil and 1110 kg ha-1 seed oil. The foreign cultivars with the tallest stem and the highest percentage of stem dry matter were proper for fiber production. In addition, the morphological characteristics of Fedora 17 were also preserved in its progeny.