ASHS 2024 Conference

Field production hemp trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana without success. In both seasons, the hemp was planted in spring and harvested in early summer. Over 50% of the plants dies from disease and or initial root rot because of excessive rain and wet soils. Faculty at the LSU AgCenter were successful in growing hemp in 2021 in greenhouse settings but realize not all growers can afford such structures. Therefore, field trails were established in the fall 2023 (October) and early spring (January and February 2024) planting dates. Day length neutral hemp was planted. The off-season trials were planted in attempt to field produce hemp during cooler and drier weather to prevent plant loss from disease. Unfortunately, the field plantings in October 2023, January and February 2024 yielded small plants with little harvestable flowers. At this time, we do not recommend field planting hemp in south Louisiana.