Opportunities for the production and economics of Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita)

The main goal of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of the plantlet production of Virginia fanpetals, to make economic calculations for their energetic use and to determine the most favourable plant density. According to the experiments, the cost of a healthy Sida plantlet is in the range of 38.4 − 60.6 Euro cents, using the nurse-in-tray technology (NIT). This cost range is much lower than the market prices of the plantlets and the production method is more reliable compared to sowing. In the second year, the dry matter yield originating from Sida plantlets was 10.2 - 11.9 t hectare−1 (ha) without fertilisation in the different planting densities. However, in the longer term, it is recommended to apply organic manure regardless of spacing. The theoretical market value of Sida is generally higher than total unit costs (36 − 60 EUR t−1) in the case of all methods used, except for biogas. The production of Sida can be economical for farmers farming in marginal conditions, using locally available organic manure, producing crops with high heat demand, or involved in beekeeping.