Screening of suitable tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) mutant to increase fiber production

The present study was conducted at the research farm of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Sub-station, Gopalganj, to find out the effective mutant for increasing fiber production of jute during March – September 2019. Mutant lines (JRO-1000-8, JRO-1000-10, JRO-700-3, JRO-1000-9) and two check varieties (JRO-524, BJRI-8) were used in this study. The experimental design was a randomized completely block with three replications. Morphological characters, plant height and base diameter were studied for the screening of jute mutants for higher yield. Results indicated that the highest plant height (3.26 m) in JRO-524 and base diameter (6.88 cm) in JRO-1000-8 found in this study. On the other hand, the highest fiber and stick yields were found in JRO-1000-9 and JRO-524, respectively. JRO-1000-8 and JRO-1000-10 mutants produced higher stick yield than JRO-1000-9 mutant. BJRI-8 variety gave inferior results compared to all mutants and check variety JRO-524 except stick yield. The highest harvest index was observed in JRO-1000-9 and BJRI-8. JRO-1000-9 mutant produced 30.24% fiber yield over BJRI-8 check variety. Positive and significant correlation was found between plant height and stick yield of jute. It may be concluded that JRO-1000-9 was found to be the best mutant for increasing fiber production of jute.