An evaluation of kenaf,roselle, and relatedHibiscus for fiber production

Thirteen species ofHibiscus, grown in southern Florida in 1964, varied significantly in fiber yield, yield components, and fiber quality characteristics. Correlation analyses first included, then excluded, improved varieties of the fiber plant species, kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and roselle (H. sabdariffa L.). Certain pairs of traits were positively correlated ; others were negatively correlated, whether or not the fiber varieties were included. Other pairs of traits were positively correlated when the fiber varieties were included, but not when they were exluded; these differences suggested significant effects of artificial selection for increased fiber content and more rapid growth. Conversely, still other pairs of traits were positively correlated when the fiber varieties were excluded, but not when they were included. Examination of means showed that this discrepancy could not be attributed to the effects of conscious selection. Strains with a shrubby growth habit had larger stalks and higher fiber percentages, and yielded more fiber than those with a viny growth habit. However, fiber content and quality, and stalk size on the one hand, and ploidy, genome constitution or geographic distribution on the other, showed no evident correlations. The possibility was discussed of transferring the moderate nematode-resistance of a wild strain to a cultivated strain of H. cannabinus, without sacrificing fiber content.     

Characterization of the Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) Global Transcriptome Using Illumina Paired-End Sequencing and Development of EST-SSR Markers

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an economically important natural fiber crop grown worldwide. However, only 20 expressed tag sequences (ESTs) for kenaf are available in public databases. The aim of this study was to develop large-scale simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to lay a solid foundation for the construction of genetic linkage maps and marker-assisted breeding in kenaf. We used Illumina paired-end sequencing technology to generate new EST-simple sequences and MISA software to mine SSR markers. We identified 71,318 unigenes with an average length of 1143 nt and annotated these unigenes using four different protein databases. Overall, 9324 complementary pairs were designated as EST-SSR markers, and their quality was validated using 100 randomly selected SSR markers. In total, 72 primer pairs reproducibly amplified target amplicons, and 61 of these primer pairs detected significant polymorphism among 28 kenaf accessions. Thus, in this study, we have developed large-scale SSR markers for kenaf, and this new resource will facilitate construction of genetic linkage maps, investigation of fiber growth and development in kenaf, and also be of value to novel gene discovery and functional genomic studies.     

Effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) forage potential can be enhanced through its regrowth capacity and higher production in narrow rows. A field experiment was conducted in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico, during 2 growing seasons (2004 and 2005) to study the effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests. This study evaluated the effects of (1) 2 plant heights at cutting (1.0-1.2 m and 1.8-2.0 m) and (2) 4 inter row spacings (0.19, 0.38, 0.57 and 0.76 m) using a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields, DM partitioning, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and CP concentrations were determined. Heights at cutting × row spacing interactions were not significant for the monitored variables (p>0.05). Kenaf response to treatments was only relevant for main effects (p≤0.05). Row spacing and plant height affected DM and CP yields (p≤0.05), whereas only plant height affected chemical composition and DM partitioning (p≤0.05). Dry matter (17.0%-26.0%), and CP (12.4%-15.6%) yields were higher (p≤0.05) when plant heights had reached 1.8 to 2.0 m. Row spacing reduction from 0.76 m to 0.38 and 0.19 m increased DM yield (20.4-33.4%) and CP yield (24.2-38.5%) (p≤0.05). Kenaf forage potential increases when planted in narrow rows and harvested 2 or 3 times during the growing season.     

Control of Meloidogyne javanica and M. arenaria on kenaf and roselle with genetic resistance and nematicides

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) and roselle (H. sabdarifla) were evaluated in nematicide-treated and untreated field soil naturally infested with either Meloidogyne javanica or M. arenaria. Root-knot indices indicated that the kenaf breeding line j-l-113 had moderate resistance to M. javanica and low resistance to M. arenaria. Kenaf cv Everglades 71 was highly susceptible to both M. javanica and M. arenaria, and roselle breeding line A59-56 was highly resistant. Both nematode species reproduced on all plant entries, but more larvae were recovered from the soil in plots planted to Everglades 71 than in plots planted to j-l-l13 or A59-56. In untreated soil infested with M. javanica, dry-matter yields were greater (P = 0.05) for j-l-l13 and A59-56 than for Everglades 71. The percentages of live plants at harvest were: j-l-l13, 88; A59-56, 93; and Everglades 71, 9. Ethylene dibromide (1,2-dibromoethane) at 73.9 kg a.i./ha and DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane) at 17.6 kg a.i./ha increased dry-matter yields significantly for all entries planted in soil infested with M. arenaria. Carbofuran (2.3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) at 5.9 kg a.i./ha did not increase the dry-matter yields of any entry. None of the nematicides increased the growth of any entry significantly in soil infested with M. javanica.     

Variety Trial and Pyrolysis Potential of Kenaf Grown in Midwest United States

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has potential as an annual herbaceous biomass feedstock. It is not typically grown in the American Midwest; however, kenaf may be attractive as an alternative crop for Iowa and the Corn Belt. In this study, seven kenaf varieties were grown in Iowa and evaluated for their productivity. More specifically, our research questions were the following: (1) how do kenaf varieties perform in Iowa for yield? (2) How does fiber morphology and quality differ among varieties and among core and bast fiber? And (3) What potential does kenaf (bast and core) have for producing fuel using fast pyrolysis? Tainung 2, one of the varieties, reached the best yield in Central Iowa over multiple years. Bast kenaf contained 8 % more cellulose and 23 % less hemicellulose than the core but it varied among varieties. Also, regardless of variety, core was composed of 40 % more lignin than bast. Core was found to have higher potential for fast pyrolysis than the bast but its potential was variety-dependent. Overall, kenaf could be grown to diversify Iowa agriculture and provide alternative feedstock to the biofuel industry.     

RNA-seq for comparative transcript profiling of kenaf under salinity stress

Journal of Plant Research - Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an economically important global natural fiber crop. As a consequence of the increased demand for food crops and the reduction of...     

Contrasting consequences of plant domestication for the chemical defenses of leaves and seeds in lima bean plants

Plant domestication is assumed to result in reduced levels of defensive compounds in crops, because this makes the plants more suitable for consumption by humans and livestock. We argue that this should mainly be reflected in the concentrations of defense compounds in the plant parts that are used for consumption and not necessarily for other parts of crop plants. We tested this hypothesis for domesticated lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), by comparing its chemical defenses against a leaf herbivore, the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), and a seed predator, the beetle Zabrotes subfasciatus. For seeds and leaves we determined the concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides (CNGs) in cultivated varieties and wild populations and evaluated the preference and performance of the herbivores when exposed to leaves and seeds from wild and cultivated plants. Concentrations of CNGs were significantly different between wild and cultivated plants. In the leaves the concentration of CNGs in the cultivated varieties were more than double that of the wild leaves. In contrast, seeds from cultivated plants had up to 20 times lower CNG concentration compared to seeds from the wild populations. Insect preference and performance do not parallel the chemical data. Larvae of S. exigua preferred wild leaves but had higher survival on cultivated leaves. The beetles, however, strongly preferred seeds from cultivated plants and females developed more quickly on these seeds. We conclude that domestication of P. lunatus has altered the concentration of CNGs in both the seeds and the leaves in opposite directions. This results in differential effects on the herbivores that attack these two plant structures. The contrasting effect of domestication on different plant tissues can be explained by the fact that bean plants have been specifically selected for human consumption of the seeds. Tissue-specific effects of plant domestication on plant defenses can be expected for other crops as well.     

Agave studies in Yucatan,Mexico. I. Past and present germplasm diversity and uses

Henequén (Agave fourcroydes) is believed to have been domesticated by the Maya fromAgave angustifolia and has been of great economical and cultural relevance in the Mexican State of Yucatan since pre-Hispanic times. Although at the beginning of this century, the recorded diversity included eight cultivated variants, our ethnobotanical exploration reveals only three, one of them in very small populations. Three wild variants with different fiber quality and possibly three ecotypes were found in our study. The documented use of agaves in the Peninsula of Yucatan is as a source of fiber. However, ethnobotanical exploration revealed that wild and cultivated variants have over 40 traditional uses. Medicinal use is the most diverse, followed by its use in construction, as utensils, and for textiles. The most frequent uses are as fiber, fuel, construction material, and medicine. One of the most interesting uses of these species is as food; this may have been important in the domestication of the plant.     

Comparative studies of genetic diversity in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties based on analysis of agronomic and RAPD data

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a fiber crop classified in the genus Hibiscus (Malvaceae), and has a great potential for its multipurpose utilization, in addition to its traditional usage. Varietal identification of kenaf is always problematic and knowledge on genetic diversity of kenaf varieties is also limited, which significantly hindered our effective utilization and conservation of the valuable kenaf germplasm. In order to find a proper method for identifying kenaf varieties and studying their variation, morpho-agronomic characters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were analyzed among 14 kenaf varieties commonly used in Japan. Data from morphological analysis showed that the included kenaf varieties could be divided into three major groups. The characters, such as middle stem diameter, whole stalk weight, and days to 50% flowering, are highly responsible for the variation of the kenaf varieties, but it is difficult to identify individual varieties merely by the morpho-agronomic characters. On the other hand, clearly separation of the kenaf varieties was achieved based on the RAPD variation patterns. Genetic relationship of the kenaf varieties can also be traced through the analysis of RAPD and morph-agronomic variation. It is concluded from the present study that RAPD analysis is an effective tool in identifying of kenaf varieties and determining their genetic relationships, particularly when combined with the analysis of morpho-agronomic characters.     

Potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for phytoremediation of dredging sludge contaminated by trace metals

The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for accumulation of cadmium and zinc was investigated. Plants have been grown in lysimetres containing dredging sludge, a substratum naturally rich in trace metals. Biomass production was determined. Sludge and water percolating from lysimeters were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. No visible symptoms of toxicity were observed during the three- month culture. Kenaf and corn tolerate trace metals content in sludge. Results showed that Zn and Cd were found in corn and kenaf shoots at different levels, 2.49 mg/kg of Cd and 82.5 mg/kg of Zn in kenaf shoots and 2.1 mg/kg of Cd and 10.19 mg/kg in corn shoots. Quantities of extracted trace metals showed that decontamination of Zn and Cd polluted substrates is possible by corn and kenaf crops. Tolerance and bioaccumulation factors indicated that both species could be used in phytoremediation.     

盐胁迫对红麻幼苗生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响

为研究不同盐胁迫时间和不同盐浓度胁迫对红麻（Hibiscus cannabinusL.）幼苗的生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响,探寻红麻耐盐的生理机制,为盐碱地种植红麻提供科学依据,本研究对红麻幼苗进行了两种不同条件的盐胁迫处理。一种将红麻幼苗在0（对照组）、140 mmol/L NaCl的半强度Hoagland营养液下分别处理3、6、9 d,另一种是在0（对照组）、70、140、200 mmol/L NaCl的1/2 Hoagland营养液下处理6 d,分别测定两种盐胁迫条件下植株的鲜重、根长、茎长、叶片H2O2、丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）活性。结果显示：（1）在第一种处理条件下,随着盐胁迫时间的延长,处理组红麻幼苗的鲜重相对于对照分别减轻了19.63%、19.35%和39.03%,株高则分别降低了25.59%、19.17%和18.48%,处理组的SOD活性先增后减,POD活性先减后增,MDA和H2O2的含量、CAT和GR活性基本随胁迫时间的增长而增高。（2）在第二种处理条件下,随着胁迫盐浓度的增加,处理组鲜重相对于对照分别减轻了16.79%、19.35%和44.73%,株高则分别降低了11.21%、19.17%和23.62%,处理组SOD活性都稍高于对照,但三者无显著差异,POD活性先减后增,MDA和H2O2的含量、CAT和GR活性基本上随着盐浓度增加而增加。实验表明,在两种不同条件的盐胁迫下,红麻幼苗受盐害的程度基本上随胁迫时间和盐浓度的增加而加重。处理组植株的SOD和POD活性较对照组增加不明显,甚至有所降低,而CAT和GR活性则相对较高,CAT和GR可能在红麻幼苗抵御盐害时起较重要作用。     

Interspecific hybrids between kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus ) and roselle ( H. sabdariffa )

The successful interspecific cross is reported for the first time between kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), a diploid species (2n=36) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), a tetraploid species (2n=72). Kenaf, grown for its bast fiber and also under investigation as a source of paper pulp, is fast-growing and well adapted to mechanical harvesting, but susceptible to root-knot nematodes. Roselle, also grown for its bast fiber, is slower growing, not well adapted to mechanical harvesting, but certain varieties are resistant to root-knot nematodes. Five hybrid plants were produced from the pollination of 4,445 flowers of kenaf with pollen from roselle; no hybrid plants were produced from 2,655 pollinations made in the reciprocal direction. One line of roselle was the parent of 3 of the 5 hybrids; one line of kenaf was the parent of 2 of these 3. The F₁ hybrids were triploid, and varied in vigor, growth habit and vegetative morphology, but had similar flowers. Two of the F₁ hybrids showed high pollen fertility, apparently as a result of restitution at first meiotic division leading to unreduced spores. These two hybrids each produced a small amount of seed, which gave rise to an F₂ population of 22 plants. The F₂ plants vary in vigor but are morphologically uniform, have thick leaves with mosaic sectors, and are presumably spontaneous allohexaploids. The theoretical possibilities of increasing the percentage of recovery of the F₁ interspecific hybrids and of developing a synthesized hybrid variety useful for bast fiber and paper pulp are discussed. Research done cooperatively by Crops Research Division and Agricultural Engineering Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station. Cytological investigations were carried out at the Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University. Thanks are extended to the many individuals and organizations who supplied material for this study, and to M. Griffin Bell and E. Otho Richey, Agricultural Research Technicians, for their enthusiastic assistance.     

Transformation parameters enhancing T-DNA expression in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus)is a fast growing annual with tremendous potential as a source of fiber for ropes, textiles and paper. Kenaf is an environmentally friendly crop; however, commercial production of kenaf is hindered by weed competition at the seedling stage. Herbicide resistant kenaf cultivars would reduce seedling weed competion and make growing kenaf more profitable. Factors that are important in establishing a transformation system for kenaf were examined. The influence of Agrobacterium strain, temperature, host tissue wounding, acetosyringone, virG/virE genes and host cell division on T-DNA expression in the kenaf shoot apex were investigated. Three Agrobacterium strains were tested, and A. tumefaciens LBA4404 significantly (α=0.05) yielded a high number of shoots surviving on selection medium; no shoots survived with EHA101S or Z707S. There was no significant difference (α=0.05) in transient T-DNA expression between 28 °C and 25 °C; however, shoots did not survive 16 °C or 19 °C co-cultivation temperatures. Shoot apex survival was increased significantly (α=0.05) when virulence genes and a cytokinin, TDZ, were combined. Sonicated shoots showed an increase in transient expression and shoot survival. Optimal conditions for shoot apex T-DNA transfer and expression were sonication for 5 s, co-cultivation with LBA4404 containingvirG/virEat room temperature, and 200 μmol/L acetosyringone.     

Germplasm evaluation of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) for alternative biomass for cellulosic ethanol production

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is an annual fiber crop grown mainly in India and China. This crop is becoming a new bio‐based energy source because of its fast growth rate, excellent CO₂ absorption ability, and large productivity per unit area. In this study, we evaluated 10 different cultivars of kenaf for their potential as biomass for cellulosic ethanol production. First, kenaf samples were hydrolyzed using dilute sulfuric acid, which is the most simple and cost‐effective pretreatment method. Next, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of the hydrolysates were performed by wild‐type and engineered xylose‐fermenting yeast strains. The results of compositional analysis of the biomass, the hydrolysates, and the fermented products suggested that ethanol yield and productivity were significantly affected by a type of kenaf cultivars, which was not predictable based on the biomass compositions. Also, the ethanol production was maximized when the xylose fraction was utilized by engineered yeast under the control of pH to avoid acetate inhibition. Considering the sugar compositions and their fermentability, kenaf can be a promising energy‐dedicated crop for cellulosic ethanol production.     

Cultivation legacies alter soil nutrients and differentially affect plant species performance nearly a century after abandonment

Cultivation legacies affect native vegetation in old fields of the Great Basin, USA for nearly a century after these fields are abandoned. We hypothesized that cultivation lowered soil nutrients and that this legacy would differentially impact plant performance of four representative Great Basin species. To test these hypotheses, we compared soil nutrients (C, N, P, K, Mg and Ca) between two formerly cultivated and adjacent noncultivated sites in two soil series. We then compared the plant growth and foliar nutrient content of an exotic grass (Bromus tectorum L.), two native grasses (Elymus elymoides [Raf.] Swezey and Achnatherum hymenoides [Roem. and Schult.] Barkworth), and a native forb (Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia [Hook. and Arn.] Rydb) grown in these soils in the greenhouse and in the field. Only one sampling site had reduced soil nutrients associated with cultivation legacies, where most of the negative effects on plant performance were found. E. elymoides appeared to be less affected by cultivation legacies than did A. hymenoides, which had a reduced survivorship and 20 % less above-ground biomass in cultivated soils. No species, including B. tectorum, were favored by cultivation. Our findings suggest that cultivation legacies can affect plant performance of different species in different ways and that altered soil nutrients may interact with other abiotic and biotic cultivation legacies in complex ways.     

Assessment of molecular diversity and evolutionary relationship of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), roselle (H. sabdariffa L.) and their wild relatives

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and roselle (H. sabdariffa L.) are valuable fibre crop species with diverse end use. Phylogenetic relationship of 73 accessions of kenaf, roselle and their wild relatives from 15 countries was assessed using 44 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) specific simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. A total of 113 alleles were identified of which 61.95 % were polymorphic. Jute specific SSR markers exhibited high polymorphism and resolving power in kenaf, although ISSR markers exhibited higher resolving power than SSR markers. Number of polymorphic alleles varied from 1 to 5 for ISSR and 1 to 6 for SSR markers. Cultivated species exhibited higher allele polymorphism (57 %) than the wild species (35 %), but the improved cultivars exhibited lower genetic diversity compared to germplasm accessions. Accessions with common genetic lineage and geographical distribution clustered together. Indian kenaf varieties were distinct from cultivars bred in other countries and shared more genetic homology with African accessions. High genetic diversity was observed in the Indian (J = 0.35–0.74) and exotic kenaf germplasm collections (J = 0.38–0.79), suggesting kenaf might have been introduced in India from Africa through Central Asia during early domestication. Genetic similarity-based cluster analysis was in close accordance with taxonomic classification of Hibiscus.     

Identification of subpopulations of North American elk (Cervus elaphus L.) using multiple lines of evidence: habitat use, dietary choice, and fecal stable isotopes

We used multiple lines of evidence to assess habitat selection, dietary choice, and nutritional outcomes for a population of North American elk (Cervus elaphus), confined to a relatively small and isolated landscape of public and private land in south-central Great Plains, USA. The area of suitable elk habitat was a topographically diverse matrix of mature oak savannah, C₄-dominated grasslands, and C₃-dominated agricultural fields surrounded by unsuitable lowlands fragmented by anthropogenic activities. We hypothesized that such disparity in habitat availability and quality resulted in subpopulation differences in the overall elk population. We used 3 methods to evaluate this premise: radiotelemetry to determine home range and habitat use, microhistology of plant fragments in feces to determine dietary selection, and fecal nitrogen (N) and stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and carbon (δ¹³C) to assess nutritional outcomes of habitat use and dietary choice. By comparing these 3 approaches, we wanted to determine if fecal indices alone could efficiently and accurately identify subpopulation structuring. Compositional analyses from radiotelemetry observations of 21 female elk identified 2 subpopulations that occupied relatively disjunct areas and showed differential preferences for forested and cultivated fields in summer but comparable preferences for cultivated fields in winter. A third unmarked subpopulation of elk was known to be largely confined to an adjacent wildlife refuge. Microhistological analyses of feces collected in all 3 areas highlighted distinct diets, outcomes of habitat occupation by the 3 subpopulations. Increased use of cultivated forages in winter was evident for 2 of the subpopulations, but the extent of use by elk was dependent on availability of cultivated forages in areas they occupied. The refuge subpopulation had no access to cultivated forage. Fecal N, fecal δ¹³C, and fecal δ¹⁵N supported the premise that the subpopulation with the greatest access to cultivated forages was on a higher nutritional plane than the other 2 subpopulations. Changes in fecal N, fecal δ¹³C, and fecal δ¹⁵N paralleled percentages of cultivated forages in the diets highlighting the utility of such fecal indices as supplemental to or surrogates for traditional methods of habitat use and dietary selection in free-ranging ungulates.     

Structure of hibiscus latent singapore virus by fiber diffraction: a nonconserved his122 contributes to coat protein stability

Hibiscus latent Singapore virus (HLSV) is a rigid rod-shaped plant virus and a new member of the Tobamovirus family. Unlike all other Tobamoviruses, the HLSV genome contains a unique poly(A) tract in its 3′ untranslated region. The virion is composed of a monomeric coat protein (CP) unit of 18 kDa, arranged as a right-handed helix around the virus axis. We have determined the structure of HLSV at 3.5 Å by X-ray fiber diffraction and refined it to an R-factor of 0.096. While the overall structure of the HLSV CP resembles that of other Tobamoviruses, there are a few unique differences. There is a kink in the LR helix due to the presence of His122. Also, the adjacent Lys123 may further destabilize the helix by positive charge repulsion, making the kink more pronounced. The His122-Asp88 salt bridge provides significant stability to the loop adjacent to the RR helix. Carboxyl-carboxylate interactions that drive viral disassembly are also different in HLSV. The nucleotide recognition mechanisms for virus assembly between HLSV and ribgrass mosaic virus are similar, but different between tobacco mosaic virus and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus.     

Agave studies in Yucatan,Mexico. II. Nutritional value of the inflorescence peduncle and incipient domestication

Recent ethnobotanical exploration of henequen (Agave fourcroydes) in the Peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico, finds that inflorescence peduncles are used as emergency food and in the preparation of a fermented drink. Bromatological analysis and determination of total carbohydrates were made for the two length classes (ca. 3.30 m and ca. 0.60 m) which are consumed. The analysis of both the cultivated plant and its putative wild ancestor (Agave angustifolia) suggests that utilization of the inflorescence peduncles as food may have been involved in the initial stages of the history of its evolution under artificial selection, because the wild and the cultivated plants have similar palatability. The subsequent agricultural prevalence of annual crop species in the region was possibly responsible for the abandonment of henequen in the local diet. No significant differences are observed between the bromatological and total carbohydrate values of domesticated and wild plants. The preference for small inflorescence peduncles as a vegetable is a consequence of its significantly minor content of raw fiber and its larger content of total carbohydrates. As a fermented drink, longer peduncles are preferred because they provide more substrate material and because fiber can be eliminated by filtering. This agricultural byproduct, almost totally wasted, has potential value as a source of carbohydrates and raw fiber.