Abstract

CASTILLO QUIROZ, David; SAENZ REYES, J. Trinidad; NARCIA VELASCO, Mariano  and  VAZQUEZ RAMOS, José Antonio. Physical and mechanical properties of Agave lechuguilla Torr. fiber under plantations of five provenances. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.19, pp.78-91. ISSN 2007-1132.

Lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla) is a species of arid and semiarid regions of Mexico, where it covers an approximate area of 20 million hectares in the states of Coahuila, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Its fiber is used in various products of the brush industry. The production of this material in natural populations has been reduced by the lack of labor, the over- exploitation of the resource and irregular weather conditions which extend the technical turn. An option to increase it are commercial plantations. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of planting with irrigation and fertilization of five provenances of Lechuguilla upon the physical and mechanical properties of its fiber. In these plants, the major diameter is a measurement criterion of interest corresponding to the heart base, and tapering towards the tip. Results indicate that the outstanding localities in this regard are the Ejido Marte and Ejido Independencia, Jaumave with 0.45 and 0.39 mm, respectively. Linear density varies from 10.74 (Ejido Marte) to 5.97 decitex. In tensile strength, maximum load withstood the sources evaluated in the plantation was 19.67 and 22.84 Newton. Maximum elongation testing had a range of 7.97 to 12.46%. It was concluded that the physical-mechanical properties of the fiber of Lechuguilla not altered when plants are subjected to cultivation.

Keywords : Agave lechuguilla Torr.; fertilizer; fibers; plantations; physical and mechanical properties; irrigation.

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