Suitability of Thuringian Mallow for alternative functions of grassland.

Staszewski Z., Staszewska U., Staszewski L., Radzików 2 m22, 05-870 Błonie, Poland. E-mail: z.staszewski@neostrada.pl

Abstract.
Lavatera thuringiaca L. is a perennial  species of Malvaceae  common on natural sites in Europe. Wild population from central Poland was taken as the initial stock for the study and for breeding of the cv. ‘Uleko’. Several experiments exhibited valuable characters of  Thuringian Mallow. The plants of it can grow 160-250 cm tall, stems are well branched, posses deep root system, are persistent and winter-hardy. Much pink flowers on each stem makes the crop suitable for ornamental purpose, honey and seed production, the last due to autogamy. The plant can serve to improve visual aspect of grasslands on touristic area, to protect road banks and is suitable to change the grassland  for field designated to new purpose. Plant for bio-energy: observed yield 15-25 ton of dry matter per 1 ha; fuel equivalent Q^rt = 14,3 KJ/kg. Crop for honey production: - using two flowering growths  honey yield was 200-400 kg, - using one growth the yield consisted  of 150-200 kg honey and 0,7-1,3 ton of seeds per 1 ha. As a  fodder crop yielded 10-15 ton dry matter per 1 ha (3-4 cuts, contained protein 20,7%, NDF 19.3%, ADF 13.0%). Thuringian Mallow can serve as medicinal plant ( contains 6-10% of mucus) or for production of cellulose.

ŚLAZÓWKA,  THURINGIAN  MALLOW cv. ULEKO

LAVATERA THURINGIACA L.    ‘MALVACEAE’

Variety ULEKO was selected from wild population found near Sandomierz in central Poland. It is a  perennial crop with great vegetative mass, long root system, winterhardy, tolerate dry conditions, produces much flowers in June and July, sets tremendous amount of seeds due to autogamy.

USEFULNESS:

Plant for bioenergy

Yield 15-25 ton of dry matter per 1 ha. Fuel equivalent Q^rt=14,3 KJ/kg.

Fodder crop

Yield 10-15 t of dry matter per 1 ha /3-4 cuts/.

Crop for honey production

Two growths = 200-400 kg of honey per 1 ha.

One growth   = 100-200 kg of honey and 0,7-1,3 ton of seeds per 1 ha.