Comparative Analysis of Fiber Properties in Different Varieties of Century Plant (<i>Agave americana</i>)

Natural fibers derived from plants have long been integral to human societies, serving diverse purposes in textiles, cordage, and industrial materials. In this study, a comparative fiber analysis was conducted on three varieties of Agave americana L., a drought-tolerant species widely recognized for its durable leaf fibers. Mature leaves of A. americana were collected from gardens and roadside populations within the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan. After a two-month retting process, fibers were extracted manually by the scratching method under controlled laboratory conditions. Fiber quality was evaluated through morphological (length, diameter, weight per leaf), mechanical (tensile strength), and biochemical (cellulose and hemicellulose content) parameters. Results revealed distinct inter-varietal differences: Variety B exhibited the longest fibers, while Variety C yielded the greatest fiber weight (0.29 g leaf⁻¹), highest tensile strength (199.11 g), and largest cellulose content (1.03 g). In contrast, Variety B displayed the highest hemicellulose levels (1.52 g), suggesting greater pliability but lower structural strength. Variety A consistently showed lower values across most parameters, though still retaining characteristics useful in specific applications. Overall, Variety C emerged as the most promising candidate for industrial use due to its superior strength and cellulose concentration, whereas Variety B may be advantageous in contexts requiring greater flexibility. These findings highlight the significant potential of A. americana as a sustainable and versatile natural fiber source, particularly in arid regions, and demonstrate its capacity to provide eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fibers in modern industries.