Context:
A research team at Stanford University has found the absorption capacity of a sisal-based material to be higher than those in commercial menstrual pads.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
About Sisal Plant:
- Botanical Characteristics: Sisal is a xerophytic, monocarp, semi-perennial leaf fibre-producing plant known for its thick, fleshy leaves often coated with a waxy layer, typical of xerophytic plants.
- Leaf Properties: The leaves of the sisal plant can reach up to 2 meters in length, and its lifecycle spans approximately 7-10 years, yielding 200-250 usable leaves during this period.
- Fiber Yield: Each leaf boasts around a thousand fibers, highly valued for manufacturing ropes, paper, cloth, and even absorbent materials.
Soil Preferences: Sisal plants prefer dry, permeable, sandy-loam soils enriched with liming materials (Ca and Mg). However, they can also thrive in various soil types.
- Indian Growth Regions: In India, sisal cultivation is prominent in Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, parts of Bihar, the western region of West Bengal, and several southern states.
- Propagation Methods: Sisal propagation primarily relies on vegetative means such as ‘bulbils’ and ‘suckers,’ contributing to its widespread cultivation and adaptability.
Climatic Adaptation:
- Adaptation to Arid Environments: Well-suited for arid conditions, the sisal species displays xerophytic traits, making it resilient to water-scarce environments.
- Temperature and Rainfall Tolerance: It thrives in temperatures up to 40-45°C and requires evenly distributed rainfall ranging from 60-125 cm for optimal growth.
-Source: The Hindu
