Day-neutral jute plant: a hallmark for developing new jute genotype

Jute has more than 100 globally distributed species and is well known for its bast fibre biogenesis as well as its nutritional and medicinal properties. Unfortunately, year-round jute cultivation is highly limited due to its photosensitive character. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyse the flowering behaviour of selected cultivated jute species and their wild relatives to support the year-round supply of jute vegetables. A total of eight jute genotypes viz., Merha red, Merha green, Merha pink, Birol red, Birol green, Birol pink, BJRI deshi pat shak-1, and BINA pat shak-1 were examined, with the latter two selected as controls. In most cases, the six wild species had more surviving plants per unit area, better plant height, and more leaves and branches compared with controls. The highest stem base diameter, leaf area, leaf dry weight, and shoot dry weight were recorded in the control species. Days to 1st flowering, days to average flowering, and days to seed maturity were significantly earlier in wild species compared with the controls, indicating the existence of photo-insensitive characters. The desired vegetative and reproductive properties with high heritability and genetic variability can likely be transmitted from wild germplasm to cultivated jute species through crossing to produce a photo-insensitive jute variety.