Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXV, No.

2, 2022
ISSN 2285-5785; ISSN CD-ROM 2285-5793; ISSN Online 2285-5807; ISSN-L 2285-5785
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF APPLYNG THE SECUIENI
METHOD TO THREE VARIETIES OF MONOECIOUS HEMP,
IN TERMS OF PRODUCTION (SEED, STEMS, FIBER),
IN THE PEDOCLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF A.R.D.S. SECUIENI
Alexandra LEONTE, Simona Florina ISTICIOAIA, Paula Lucelia PINTILIE,
Elena TROTUȘ, Margareta NAIE

Agricultural Research and Development Station Secuieni, 371 Main Street,

Secuieni - Neamț, Romania

Corresponding author email: p.ursache03@gmail.com

Abstract

In this paper we present the results regarding the evolution of monoecious hemp crop on the yield of seeds, stems and
fiber, by fallowing the Secuieni Method under the pedoclimatic conditions in the Agricultural Research and Development
Station Secuieni Neamț (A.R.D.S. Secuieni, Neamț). The experience takes place in the experimental field of the unit, and
it is a multifactorial experience, of the type 3 x 2 x 3, in three repetitions: A factor - variety (Denise, Diana, Dacia), B
factor - distance between rows (25 cm; 50 cm), C factor - „Secuieni metho” (uncut, one cut, two cuts). On average, during
the three years of experimentation, the above factors greatly influenced the seed yield obtained, which varied widely,
from 806 kg • ha-1 (Denise x 50 cm x uncut) to 1117 kg • ha-1 ( Dacia x 50 cm x two cuttings). Regarding the yield of
stems, this also varied quite a lot, from 9219 kg • ha-1 (Denise x 50 cm x two cuttings) up to 12634 kg • ha-1 (Dacia x 50
cm x uncut).

Key words: yield, method, monoecious hemp, variety.

INTRODUCTION food and ingredients for nutritional supplements

(Pellegrino et al., 2021).
Industrial hemp disappeared almost completely Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), is one of
after World War II and, despite a ban by the the most important traditional natural fiber
United Nations, Canada, China and the crops, had almost been forgotten for the last
European Union are cultivating it again. In several decades. Nowadays, industrial hemp has
2018, industrial hemp recorded record many agro-industrial applications, such as
cultivation figures in Europe (48605 ha), agriculture, textile, papermaking, construction,
Canada and China, registering a total of bio-fuel (Xinlin et al., 2021).
150000 ha (EIHA Conference, 2020). The technological properties of fibers in terms
Incidentally, cultivation has also begun in the of strength (tensile, torsional, friction, rot),
US (EIHA Conference, 2019). extensibility (elastic and plastic), spinning
Hemp is considered a plant of increasing capacity and high length (Sandru, 1996)
importance for Europe (Ranalli, 2004) and is determine its use in a wide range of areas such
used for the extraction of fiber, oil and as a as the manufacture of quality paper, braids and
medicinal herb (Sandru et al., 1996). fabrics, fine fabrics, plastic castings (Small and
The hemp fiber is the most resistant vegetable Marcus, 2002), fiber-reinforced cement (Zhijian
fiber and as such, in the past, was the most et al., 2004), thermal insulation.
valuable raw material of the textile industry Small in 2015 says that Cannabis sativa has
worldwide (Forgo, 1957). been employed for thousands of years, primarily
Hemp is an extraordinary crop, with enormous as a source of a stem fiber (both the plant and the
social and economic value, since it can be used fiber termed “hemp”) and a resinous intoxicant
to produce food, textiles, clothing, (the plant and its drug preparations commonly
biodegradable plastics, paper, paint, biofuel, and termed “marijuana”).
animal feed, as well as lighting oil. Various parts Struik et al. (2000), shows that the fiber hemp
of the hemp plant represent a valuable source of may yield up to 25 t above ground dry matter per
239
hectare (20 t stem dry matter ha−1) which may Alexa et al. (2012) are aiming with a study to
contain as much as 12 t ha−1 cellulose, determine the nutritional value of hemp seeds
depending on environmental conditions and expressed by oil content and metal concentration
agronomy. Its performance is affected by the (Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cd), for five
onset of flowering and seed development. approved Romanian monoecious and dioecious
Cannabinoids represent the most studied group hemp.
of compounds, mainly due to their wide range of Currently, the cultivation of hemp varieties with
pharmaceutical effects in humans, including multifunctional capacity, both for seed
psychotropic activities. The therapeutic and production and for obtaining stems and fiber,
commercial interests of some terpenes and has opened new challenges in many research
phenolic compounds, and, in particular, sectors such as breeding (Baldini et al., 2018).
stilbenoids and lignans, are also highlighted in
view of the most recent literature data (Andre et MATERIALS AND METHODS
al., 2016).
Kasula et al. (2021) said that the nutrient During 2018-2021 period, a multifactorial
composition of hemp products provides experiment was set up at Agricultural Research
evidence that these potentially serve as valuable and Development Station Secuieni (A.R.D.S.
livestock feed ingredients and may enhance Secuieni), the purpose of which was to establish
human health. the yields capacity of stems, fiber and
Hemp products available on the market may be monoecious hemp seeds, by applying the
used in meat processing as valuable sources of “Secuieni method” at different distances
nutrients such as n3 fatty acids, proteins and between rows. The experiment was of the type 3
minerals. They could be used to create x 2 x 3, in three repetitions, where A Factor -
functional meat products. The aim of this work varieties - a1 - Denise, a2 - Diana, a3 - Dacia, B
was to compare the quality of pork loaves Factor - distances between rows - b1 - 25 cm and
produced with the addition of hemp seeds (5%), b2 - 50 cm, and C Factor - “Secuieni method” -
de-hulled hemp seeds (5%), hemp flour (5%), c1 - uncut, c2 - one cut, c3 - two cuts (Figure 1).
and hemp protein (5%). The technological value
and the consumers' acceptance were also
evaluated (Zajac et al., 2019).
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil are low
tetrahydrocannabinol product derived from
Cannabis sativa that have become very popular
over the past few years. Patients report relief for
a variety of conditions, particularly pain,
without the intoxicating adverse effects of
medical marijuana (Harrison et al., 2019).
During the last decade, the popularity of hemp
products has been rising rapidly. Products
containing cannabidiol (CBD) are of
predominant interest. Traditional hemp products
are frequently enriched by CBD due to their
potential therapeutic effects. Cannabidiol occurs
naturally in hemp juice together with other
biologically active substances, such as terpenes,
flavonoids, and stilbenoids (Tremlova et al., Figure 1. Applied Secuieni method and shoot formation
2021). (source: original photo)
The byproducts of industrial hemp (Cannabis
sativa L.), including inflorescences, represent an The Secuieni method was applied when the
exploitable material to produce niche products plants go into the phase of intense growth and
for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic have 5-6 floors with opposite leaves. (Figure. 1).
and pesticide industry (Fiorini et al., 2019). Following the pruning applied from the insertion
of the leaves, 2-6 lateral shoots develop, which
240
remain in culture in this form, but the height of kg•ha-1 was obtained in 2021, at the interaction
the plants will not exceed 3 m. After the first of the Denise variety x 25 cm x two cuttings, and
pruning, when the shoots have developed the highest yield was obtained in 2019, of 15680
enough, the second pruning above the first cut, kg•ha-1, at the Dacia x 50 cm x uncut interaction.
at 15-20 cm (Găucă et al., 1990).
The experience was placed on a typical cambic Table 1. Biometric measurements on monoecious hemp
faeoziom (chernozem) soil, with medium culture after applying the “Secuieni method”,
(Cannabis sativa L.), year average
texture, characterized as being well supplied
Row Stem
with phosphorus (P2O5 - 39 ppm) and mobile Variety distance
Applied Ramif. Height
Diam.
potassium (K2O - 161 ppm), moderately supplied work /plant (m)
(cm) (mm)
with nitrogen, the soil nitrogen index being 2.1, 1 2 3 6 7 8
weakly acidic, with pH values (in aqueous NR - 2.7 10.7
25 R1 1.8 2.1 6.2
suspension) of 6.29 and poorly fertile, with a R2 3.3 1.8 4.5
Denise
humus content of 2.3% (Leonte et al., 2021). NR - 2.7 10.1
The experiment was done on subdivided plots, 50 R1 1.6 2.2 6.9
R2 3.0 1.7 4.1
and the applied technology was the one specific NR - 2.6 8.5
to the conditions in the Center of Moldavia. The 25 R1 1.5 2.2 5.6
content of hemp fiber extracted from the stem Diana
R2 3.0 1.8 3.8
was determined in the laboratory, and specific NR - 2.7 8.4
50 R1 1.6 2.4 6.1
biometric measurements were made during the R2 2.5 2.0 4.2
vegetation period. The experimental production NR - 2.9 7.4
data were processed by statistical-mathematical 25 R1 1.5 2.6 6.1
methods specific to the multifactorial experi- R2 2.7 2.0 4.3
Dacia
NR - 2.9 8.6
ments, and the interpretation of the results was 50 R1 1.7 2.6 6.5
performed by analyzing the variations (Ceapoiu, R2 2.4 2.1 4.8
1968; Jităreanu, 1999).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

During the vegetation period, a series of

observations were made about the number of
branches on the plant following the application
of the "Secuieni method" and how the length and
diameter of the stem was influenced.
Of the three varieties studied, the largest size of
2.9 m, with a diameter of 10.7 mm was recorded
at the interaction of the Dacia variety x 25 cm x
uncut, but by applying two cuttings its size was
reduced to 2.0 m, with a stem diameter of 4.3 Figure 2. Correlation between plant size and
mm (Table 1). stem diameter
By applying the "Secuieni method", the plants
developed branches, which varied within fairly On average, over the three years studied, the
large limits, from 1.5 branches/plant (Diana x 25 studied factors highly influenced the yield of
cm x two cuttings) and up to 3.3 branches/ plant strains obtained, which ranged from 9219 kg•ha-
1
(Denise x 25 cm x two cuttings) (Table 1). to the Denise interaction x 50 cm x two
Correlating the plant height with the stem cuttings, up to 12634 kg•ha-1 (Dacia x 50 cm x
diameter (average), it is observed that it is a uncut). Yield increases were also obtained in
direct link, the correlation coefficients (r) were five interactions, two being very significant
statistically assured and interpreted as very (Dacia x 25, respectively 50 cm x uncut), two
significant (Figure 2). being distinctly significant (Denise x 25 cm x
The yield of the stems varies quite a bit from one uncut, Diana x 50 cm x uncut) and one
year to the next, so the lowest yield of 7537 significant (Diana x 25 cm x uncut) (Figure 3).

241
Seed yield varied quite a bit year-on-year, so the 806 kg•ha-1 in the uncut version sown at a
lowest yield was obtained with the Denise x 50 distance of 50 cm with the Denise variety.
cm x uncut interaction of 668 kg•ha-1 (2021), Distinctly significant yield increases were
and the highest yield was obtained at the Dacia obtained, compared to the control (average
interaction x 25 cm x two cuttings, of 1386 experiment) in some variants in which two
kg•ha-1 (2019). In the three years studied, the cuttings were applied, namely Denise x 25 cm
factors influenced the seed yield obtained, and Dacia x 25, 50 cm, and significant at the
which ranged quite a lot, from a maximum of interaction Denise x 50 cm (Figure 4).
1117 kg•ha-1, at Dacia x 50 cm x two cuttings to

Figure 3. Stem yield obtained at monoecious hemp

Figure 4. Seed yield obtained at monoecious hemp

Correlating the number of cuttings applied with

the yield of hemp fiber obtained, it can be
observed that in 2021 it was directy influenced,
statistically assured and interpreted as very sig-
nificant, and in the other two years of experi-
mentation they had no significance (Figure 5).
The percentage of hemp fiber obtained in the
three years of experimentation varied from
21.6% in 2020 (Denise x 50 cm x one cut) to
27.5% in 2019 (Dacia x 25 cm x uncut). In the
Figure 5. Correlation between number of cuts three years studied, the factors influenced the
and fiber yield fiber percentage obtained, which ranged quite a
242
lot, from a minim of 22.6%, at the interaction version sown at a distance between rows of 25
Denise x 50 cm x one cut to 27.0% at the uncut cm, with the Dacia variety (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Fiber content extracted from monoecious hemp stalks

CONCLUSIONS metal contents of seeds. Chemistry Central Journal,

6(1), 122.
Andre, C.M., Francois, J., Hausman, J.F., Gea, Guerriero,
By applying the "Secuieni method" to the hemp G. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The plant of the thousand
crop, for the three varieties studied, this had a and one molecules. Journal Frontiers in Plant
negative effect on the stem yield and on the fiber Science, No. 7.
percentage, but positively influencing, instead, Baldini, M., Ferfuia, C., Piani, B., Sepulcri, A., Dorigo,
the seed yield. G., Zuliani, F., Danuso, F., Cattivello, C. (2018). The
performance and potentiality of monoecious hemp
By reducing the size but also the diameter of the (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars as a multipurpose crop.
stem, the seed can be harvested more easily by Agronomy, 8: 162.
the fact that the ivy of the combine reaches the Tremlová, B., Koudelková, H., Mikulášková, K.H.,
inflorescence of the plant. Jancikova, S., Kaczorová, D., Zeljkovi´c´, Sanja
In the three years of study, the highest yield was Cavar, Dordevic, D. (2021). Influence of
Technological Maturity on the Secondary Metabolites
recorded during year 2019, the research carried of Hemp Concentrate (Cannabis sativa L.).
out showed superiority of the Dacia x 50 cm x https://www.mdpi.com/journal/foods
uncut interaction, of 15680 kg•ha-1, the increases Ceapoiu, N. (1968). Statistical methods applied in
observed being very significant for the stem agricultural and biological experiments. Bucharest,
crops, and also at the level of the same year, Forestry Publishing House.
Fiorini, D., Molle, A., Nabissi, M., Santini, G., Benelli,
the seed yield were significantly better for the G., Maggi, F. (2019). Valorizing industrial hemp
same variety, Dacia, but at a distance between (Cannabis sativa L.) by-products: Cannabidiol
rows of 25 cm and by applying two cuttings enrichment in the inflorescence essential oil
(1386 kg•ha-1). optimizing sample pre-treatment prior to distillation.
The combination of the three factors studied, in Industrial Crops and Products, 128. 581–589.
Forgo, F. (1957). Hemp and flax, Cultivation and
the three years, generated the highest stem yield preliminary processing. Bucharest, Agro-Forestry at
in the case of the Dacia x 50 cm x uncut variant State Publishing House.
(12634 kg•ha-1), as well as the highest seed Găucă, C., Trotuş, E., Roman, M., Paraschivoiu, R., Sim,
yields, for the established using the Dacia x 50 M., Ursachi, F., Moisă, F. (1990). New elements in
cm (1115 kg•ha-1), to which two cuttings were mono-hemp seed production technology. Annals of the
Research Institute for Cereals and Technical Plants
applied. Fundulea, LVIII. 135–145.
Harrison, J., Van-Dolah, B.A, Brent, A., Bauer, M.D.,
REFERENCES Karen, F., Mauck, M.D., (2019). Clinicians’ Guide to
Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clinic
Alexa, E., Radulov, I., Mihoc, M., Pop, G. (2012). Proceedings, 94(9), 1840–1851.
Nutritive quality of romanian hemp varieties Jităreanu, G. (1999). Experimental technique. ”Ion
(Cannabis sativa L.) with special focus on oil and Ionescu de la Brad”, Iași Publishing House.
243
Kasula, R., Solis, F., Shaffer, B., Connett, F., Chris Europe. Industrial Crops and Products, 11(2-3), 107–
Barrett, C., Cocker, R., Willinghan, E. (2021). 118
Characterization of the Nutritional and Safety Sandru, I., Paraschivoiu, R., Gauca, C. (1996) Hemp
Properties of Hemp Seed Cake as Animal Feed culture. Timisoara, Helicon Publishing House.
Ingredient. International Journal of Livestock Tremlová, B., Mikulášková, H.K., Hajduchová, K.,
Production, 12(2), 53–63. Jancikova, S., Kaczorová, D., Zeljković, S.C.,
Leonte, A., Agapie, A., Pintilie, P.L., Druțu, A.C., Dordevic, D. (2021). Influence of Technological
Amarghioalei, G., Eșanu, S. (2021). Research Maturity on the Secondary Metabolites of Hemp
regarding the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus Concentrate (Cannabis sativa L.). Foods, 10(6), 1418;
fertilizers on winter wheat, in the pedoclimatic https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061418.
conditions in Central of Moldavia. Journal Life Zając, M., Guzik, P., Kulawik, P., Tkaczewska, J.,
Science and Sustainable Development, 2(2), 52–57. Florkiewicz, A., Władysław, M. (2019). The quality
Pellegrino, C., Carlo, B. Giuseppe, C. Jacopo., Ermete O., of pork loaves with the addition of hemp seeds, de-
Andrea F., Antonio D., Biancamaria P., Alfonso G. hulled hemp seeds, hemp protein and hemp flour.
(2021). A review of hemp as food and nutritional LWT. 105. 190–199.
supplement, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Zhijian, L., Lijing, W. and Xungai, W. (2004).
https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0001. Compressive and Flexural Properties of Hemp Fiber
Ranalli, P. (2004). Current status and future scenarios of Reinforced Concrete. Fibers and Polymers, 5(3), 187–
hemp breeding. Euphytica, nr. 140, 121–131. 197.
Small, E. & Marcus, D. (2002). Hemp: A new crop with Xinlin, Z., Xiuye, W., Yuan, G., Caisheng, Q., Songhua,
new uses for North America. Trends in new crops and L., Yufu, W., Huajiao, Q. (2021). Industrial Hemp -
new uses. ASHS Press Publishing House, 284–326. an Old but Versatile Bast Fiber Crop. Journal of
Small, E. (2015). Evolution and classification of Cannabis Natural Fiber.
sativa (marijuana, hemp) in relation to human .https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.1907834
utilization. Botanical Review, 81(3), 189–294. *** 16th - 17th International Conference of the European
Struik, P.C., Amaducci, S., Bullard, M.J., Stutterhein Industrial Hemp Association. (June 2019-2020).
N.C., Venturi, G., Cromack, H.T.H. (2000). Kőln, Germany. http://eiha-conference.org.
Agronomy of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in

244