Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a high-potential economic crop in the food and health product industries, requiring high-yielding seed cultivars. This study aimed to select high-seed-yielding hemp cultivars developed by Kasetsart University, evaluating 13 cultivars. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Key agronomic traits influencing seed yield potential were compared, including seed diameter, main inflorescence length, seed-bearing branch length, plant height at harvest, 100-seed weight, seed weight per plant, and seed yield per area. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among cultivars. The KU26 cultivar exhibited the highest seed yield and superior growth performance in several traits, including plant height at harvest (200 cm), seed diameter (0.39 cm), seed weight per plant (10 g), and seed yield per area (367.79 kg/rai). Thus, KU26 was selected as a high-potential cultivar for seed production. This study highlights the importance of selecting suitable cultivars for Thailand’s environmental conditions. However, environmental factors such as soil variability, moisture, and field management may influence agronomic trait expression across cultivars. Further field trials are recommended to validate the findings and optimize cultivation practices.