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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Genetic mechanism governing fibre quality and yield in the cultivated jute (Corchorus sp.)- Breeders' perspective

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12727
Submitted
15 November 2025
Published
18-06-2026

Abstract

Jute is valued for its biodegradability and industrial versatility. Corchorus capsularis L. (White jute) and Corchorus olitorius L. (Tossa jute) are the two commercially cultivated species, each exhibiting distinct morphological and physiological traits. Breeding efforts to develop superior cultivars combining desirable traits from both species are limited due to their sexual incompatibility. This study investigates the genetic control of 9 yield and quality traits in tossa and white jute through combining ability analysis, conducted during the rainy seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Significant differences were observed among parents and hybrids for key traits, indicating genetic variability. Hybrid combinations such as BCCC 127 × BCCC 107 in white jute and BCCO 120 × BCCO 6 in tossa jute demonstrated the highest fibre yield (13.56 and 22.21 g plant-1 respectively), while crosses like CIN 115 × CIN 111 and OIN 133 × OIN 95 produced the finest fibre (1.16 and 2.50 tex, respectively). Notable standard heterosis effects were recorded for fibre weight (up to 43.02 % in white jute and 58.85 % in tossa jute) and fineness (up to -33.33 and -15.73 %, respectively), with certain crosses exhibiting desirable transgressive segregation for improved fibre traits. Gene action analysis using Hayman’s approach revealed the overwhelming importance of non-additive gene action, indicating that deferred selection in segregating generations or hybrid breeding is rewarding. The Vr Wr graphical analysis confirmed genetic variability among parental lines, indicating potential for effective selection. The findings highlight the potential of heterosis breeding and gene action analysis in optimising jute breeding programmes.

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