Applied Biology and Biochemistry Publications

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Browsing Applied Biology and Biochemistry Publications by Subject "agave"

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    Biological and physical features of sisal (Agave sp.) varieties growing in Matebeleland region
    (Academy Journals, 2010-10-26) Dube, S.; Chiyaka, Christinah
    Five varieties of sisal growing around Matebeleland were studied to determine their biological properties. Morphometric data for Agave deserti are mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 64cm, width 9cm, thickness 4mm and fiber yield of 0.0359%. The average fiber length was 50cm and the breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 161.84MPa. For Agave sisalana mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 170cm, width 14cm, thickness 5mm and fiber yield of 0.0303%. Average fiber length was 150cm. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 88.42MPa. For Agave Americana(variety C) mean of full grown leaf dimensions were, length 215cm, width 22cm, thickness 10cm and fiber yield of 0.0030%. Average fiber length was 200cm. Breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 26.98MPa. For Agave americana (variety D) mean full grown leaf dimensions were, length 200cm, width 22cm, thickness 9mm and fiber yield of 0.0037%. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber was 54.59MPa. For variety E mean full grown leaf dimensions, length 212cm, width 22cm, thickness 8mm and fiber yield of 0.026%. The terminal spine was absent. The breaking tensile strain of single ultimate fiber 171.16MPa. All the varieties attain full maturity in 5-20 years. Propagation is by bulbils and offsets. Cross sections of the fibres are horse shoe shaped for A, B and E and are lunar shaped for C and D.