ISHS Acta Horticulturae 710: International Symposium on Greenhouses, Environmental Controls and In-house Mechanization for Crop Production in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF KENAF SEED THRESHER MACHINE FOR SEED PRODUCTION UNDER RAINSHELTER |
| Authors: | S.T. Ten, C.C. Wong |
| Keywords: | fiber, small holders, skin irritation, harvesting, industrial crop |
| Abstract:
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a warm season annual fiber crop. It has been traditionally used as cordage and in various new applications such as paper products, building materials, absorbents, and livestock feed. In Malaysia, kenaf has been viewed as a possible industrial crop of significance for large scale production. Being an annual crop, kenaf is grown from seed. A large quantity of seed supply is needed for continuous production. Currently seed availability is limited. Overseas seed companies generally produce seed on specified contracts. Under such circumstances, there is a need to produce kenaf seed locally for local consumption. A definite dry season of several months is needed to achieve good quantity and quality of kenaf seed. Kenaf grown under rainshelter has all the requirements for good seed production. However, harvesting kenaf seed is another major constraint as bristles from kenaf capsules can cause extreme itchiness and irritation to human skin. Padi combine harvester has been modified to harvest kenaf seed but its efficiency remains doubtful due to high seed loss in the field. Seed is usually mixed with a large quantity of green trash that affects seed quality. Currently, the R&D kenaf project is seeking small holders to produce seed. Designing a simple mechanical thresher will help to expedite seed threshing for the small holders to overcome skin irritation constraints. | |
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