Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Research Articles

Mock leno weave design-preparation on jute cotton union fabric

In the Weaving department of the Mechanical Processing Division of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka, the characteristics of union fabric made of jute and cotton with a fancy weave design were investigated. The goal of this study is to create jute-cotton union fabric with a Mock leno weave pattern for a variety of applications. 10/2 cotton yarn was used for the warp, while 17 lbs/spy jute yarn was utilized by the weft. The elaborate union fabric was created using a Mock leno weave pattern with a repeat size of 12 by 12.

EFFECT OF WATERLOGGING ON YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF CHILLI

Waterlogging is a serious abiotic stress for chilli production. To find out adverse effect of waterlogging on yield attributes of chilli a pot experiment was conducted on jute agriculture experimental station, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Jagir, Manikganj. Yield attributes varied significantly due to waterlogging stress. All yield characters perform better at no waterlogging condition whereas the lowest yield characters perform at 12 days of waterlogging condition. Thirty days old healthy chilli plants were subjected to continuous flooding stress of different durations 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. Earthan pots healthy chilli plants were placed inside a larger concrete chamber and irrigated with tap water so that the waterlogging depth was maintained within 4-5 cm throughout the experimental period. Height of plant, leaf number, diameter of stem base, area of leaf, days to flowering and fruits umber per plant were recorded.

POPULATION DENSITY AFFECTS ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND YIELD OF BJRI DESHI PAT SHAK-3

Plant density is very important growth and yield contributing character of different crops. An experiment was conducted at Jute Agriculture Experimental Station, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Jagir, Manikganj to select suitable seed rate for leaf and seed yield of jute as vegetable. Six different seed rate i.e., T1=4.17, T2=8.33, T3=12.5, T4=16.67, T5=20.83 and T6=25.00 kg/ha were used as experimental treatment. Results revealed that the highest leaf number (14.13), leaf fresh weight (10.9g) and leaf dry weight (2.03g) was recorded in T3 treatment whereas the highest capsule number (375), number of seed per capsule (32) and seed yield per plant (15.16g) was found in T2 treatment. Days to seed maturity was minimum (85 days) in T2 treatment. It might be concluded that considering as a vegetable crop 12.5 kg/ha rate is the best seed rate for vegetative yield.

Appraisement of genetic variability and character association of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Twenty five genotypes of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) from different geographic origins were grown at the Central Jute Agricultural Experiment station of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Jagir, Manikganj to study their variability, correlation for nine morphological characters. Significant variation was found for all the characters among the genotypes. PCV was greater than GCV and high GCV values were observed for green weight with leaves, green weight without leaves, stick weight and fibre weight. The high heritability (more than 85%) coupled with high genetic advance in percent of mean were observed for most of the traits. All the characters except green bark thickness and internode length showed significant and positive correlation with fibre weight. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that green weight with leaves, green weight without leaves, green bark thickness and stick weight showed positive direct effect on fibre yield. Considering these agronomic performance genotypes G22 and G25 are suggested for future hybridization program. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 31-42 (2022)

Effect of Textile Effluent on Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Content Of Jute Leaves (Corchorus Capsularis)

A pot experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) to evaluate the effect of textile effluent on dry matter yield and the nutrients content of newly developed BJRI Deshi pat shak-1 (Corchorus capsularis). The treatments were T1: control, T2: 100% RDF + 0% effluent, T3: 50% RDF + 25% effluent, T4: 50% RDF +50% effluent, T5: 50% RDF + 75% effluent, T6: 50% RDF + 100% effluent. All the treatments had significant positive effect over control on dry matter yield and nutrient content of jute vegetables on non-contaminated soils. But in contaminated soils effluent irrigation showed negative effect on dry matter yield and nutrient content of jute leaves vegetables over control. The highest yield of dry matter in both contaminated and non-contaminated soils were observed in treatment T2 (100% RDF + 0% effluent), which were1.81, 1.90, 1.86 and 1.69 t/ha in non-contaminated and contaminated soils of Narayanganj and Gazipur, respectively. Among the textile effluent treated pots T4 the gave second highest yield of dry matter yield which were 1.55, 1.77, 1.36 and 1.58 t/ha in non- contaminated and contaminated soils, respectively. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(2): 47-54

Sequel of divergent sowing dates on phenological event with yield and quality of Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) seed

This experiment was conducted at Jute Research Sub Station, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Jashore to determine phenology, yield and quality of Tossa jute seed at different sowing times starting from 15 July to 1 October, 2020. Variety O-9897 was used as plant material. Randomized Complete Block Design was followed with 4x3m plot size. Line sowing was practised. The result revealed that phenology, seed yield and quality varied significantly with different sowing dates. The earliest flowering (at 42 days) was observed from the sowing on 1 October and the most delayed flowering (at 89 days) from the sowing on 15 July. Sowing from 15 August to 1 September gave the highest yield with good quality seed. Sowing on 15 August, 2020 required 150 days and sowing on 1 September, 2020 required 139 days for pod maturation. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 57(1), 61-66, 2022

RELATIVE TOXICITY OF SOME CHEMICAL PESTICIDES AGAINST JUTE HAIRY CATERPILLAR (SPILOSOMA OBLIQUA W.) IN TOSSA JUTE (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS L.)

Pesticides have been a major contributor to the growth of agricultural productivity and food supply. Pesticides were a key factor in significant agricultural productivity growth during the last century and continue to be a critical factor in reducing crop damage. Fifteen insecticides were investigated to select their effective and economic doses against Hairy caterpillar in a Tossa Jute variety during April-October’ 2020 at the Department of Entomology, Manikganj and Narayanganj, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Bangladesh following Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications. All new insecticides with a standard were found effective for controlling jute hairy caterpillar giving 95.38, 94.55, 95.19, 92.85, 93.59, 94.22, 93.49, 93.62, 89.84, 95.72, 93.56, 93.38, 94.42, 95.39, 91.34 and 95.41 % at Manikganj; 95.78, 93.32, 93.97, 93.18, 92.09, 92.49, 93.74, 92.93, 92.29, 93.69, 93.95, 93.17, 95.31, 94.99, 92.11 and 94.53 % reduction of infestation at Narayanganj at 5th day after spray over control plot respectively. In Manikganj, the highest fibre yield (3.66 t/ha) was found in the plot treated with Rock 20 EC and the lowest (2.96t/ha) was found in Reset 20WDG treated plot. In case of Narayanganj, the highest fibre yield (3.85 t/ha) was found in the plot treated with Proxy 20 EC and the lowest (2.79t/ha) was found in Daman treated plot. These insecticides can be recommended for the farmer’s use to control jute hairy caterpillar.

BJRI Mesta-3: A newly released improved variety of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) has recently evolved a high-yielding, prickles free and wide adaptable smooth mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) variety released by National Seed Board (NSB) in the year 2017 namely, BJRI Mesta-3. It was previously isolated from the farmers’ field of Khankhanapur, Rajbari in 1993 and was developed through pure line selection as a promising line SAMU’93. The line was evaluated for smoothness, fiber yield, and other morphological attributes. Advanced Yield Trial (AYT) was conducted for two years (2009 and 2010) along with Zonal Yield Trial (ZYT) for three consecutive years (2011 to 2013) at Manikganj, Faridpur, Rangpur, Chandina, Kishoreganj and Monirampur stations. Besides, Multi-location Trial (MLT) was conducted for three consecutive years (2014 to 2016) at different farmers’ fields in different agro-ecological zones. It was observed to be suitable for a wide range of sowing time (March to June) and fit for existing cropping pattern in Bangladesh. The variety is time-bound or time-based means that whenever it is sown give flowers from November to December. Its stem is fully green and smooth, petiole green and leaf pubescence absent. It can withstand vagaries of growing conditions, as drought or increased rains, infested with weeds, or similar adversities, much more than either jute or kenaf. It is moderately tolerant to stem rot disease, mealybug, mite, and root-knot nematode. It also possesses superior quality fiber than the check variety Hs-24, popularly known as ‘Tani Mesta-1’. However, the average yield was observed at 2.8 t ha-1 which was around 5% higher than the check variety Hs-24.

Effect of processing and preservation on L-ascorbic acid content in commercially cultivated jute leaves

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is essential nutrients that cannot produce in human body and meet up through diet. Jute leaves contain L-ascorbic acid. The amount of L-ascorbic is unknown in different varieties developed by Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. L-ascorbic acid content is affected by cooking or processing and preservation. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to investigate the content of vitamin C in the fresh jute leaves as well as the effect of cooking and preservation methods on L-ascorbic acid content in jute leaves. Fresh jute leaves of different varieties contain different amount of L-ascorbic acid 0.39g/10g to 0.64g/10g in Corchorus olitorius and 0.64g/10g to 0.92g/10g in Corchorus capsularis. C. capsularis contain more amount of L-ascorbic acid than the C. olitorius. Jute leaves of C. olitorius retain 95% L-ascorbic acid and C. capsularis retain 62% L-ascorbic acid after 15 min of boiling. Vinegar soaking leaves release more L- ascorbic acid by 5 min than the fresh leaves and then the L-ascorbic acid content was reduced by 15 min in both the species. Spraying vinegar treatment releases more L-ascorbic acid and increasing up-to 30 min treatment. Both oven dried and cold dried leaves retain small amount of L-ascorbic acid. L-ascorbic acid content was reduced in preserved jute leaf tea and soup powder also in both species. Usually, leafy vegetables are cooked before consumption and sometimes preserved vegetables are consumed when fresh vegetables may not available. So, this study may be useful to know the actual intake of L-ascorbic acid from the processed or preserved jute leaves.

Fertilizer for Maximum Output and Growth of BJRI Tossa Pat-8

Fertilizing in a balanced way promotes crop quality and soil health as well as crop growth and production. This study was conducted to determine the best approach of fertilization for jute production in Bangladesh in the experimental fields under Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. A randomized block design with three replications was used to set up the experiment, which included ten fertilizer treatments. The treatments were: T1 – control (no fertilization), T2- 50:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T3- 100:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T4- 150:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T5- 100:5:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T6- 100:15:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T7- 100:10:60:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T8- 100:10:90:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T9- 100:10:60:10 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T10- 100:10:90:30 kg N:P:K:S ha-1. The purpose of this study was to determine what nutrition BJRI Tossa pat-8 need for optimal growth and yield. The results indicated significant effect on yield and yield contributing characters over control with different NPK and S levels of BJRI Tossa Pat-8. The highest fibre and stick yield were obtained by the combination dose of N100 Kg ha-1 with 10:60:20 kg P:K:S ha-1. The plant height, base diameter also found highest with the same treatment of fertilizer combination. Therefore this combination (T7- 100:10:60:20 kg N: P: K: S ha-1) seemed to be optimum for good growth and high potential for BJRI Tossa Pat-8 for fibre production in Bangladesh.

Responses and screening of white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) genotypes against salinity stresses

Soil salinity, a serious threat to jute cultivation in saline areas (southern parts) of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) has developed a moderately salt tolerant White Jute variety (BJRI Deshi pat-8; BJC 2197) in 2013 which can’t grow well in saline areas having more than 8.0 dSm-1 salinity stress. Hence, 23 whitejute accessions and one control variety (BJC 2197) were tested to isolate the salt tolerant accession(s) for hybridization purpose followed by augmented design in farmers’ field having nearly 8.0-9.0 dSm-1 salinity at Patuakhali district during mid-March to mid-August 2019. The experimental plot size was 3.0 m2 (3 m × 1 m) for each genotype having 3 lines of 1.0 m length, plant-plant: 10-15 cm and line- line: 30 cm distance. Soil salinity was recorded during sowing, vegetative and plant maturity stages. In this study, the highest plant height 2.84 m was recorded in Acc. 2750 followed by Acc. 2589 (2.76 m) and Acc. 1779 (2.69 m). The highest fiber yield (9.0 g plant-1) was observed in Acc. 1779 followed by Acc. 2589 (8.40 g plant-1) and Acc. 2750 (8.0 g plant-1). The lowest plant mortality rate (2.5%) was found in Acc.2750 followed by Acc.1779 (6.24%), Acc. 1780 (7.50), Acc. 3556 (11.10%), Acc. 2589 (11.20%) and BJC 2197 (16.5%). Few seeds were germinated in Acc. 3020 and Acc. 3658 but plants were died after 20 days of sowing. Six genotypes of cluster I showed higher diversity in Euclidean cluster analysis. The Acc. 2750, Acc. 1779, Acc. 2589 of cluster I having relative salinity tolerance and good fiber yield capacity would be grown in next year for confirmation as well as hybridization with the existing salinity susceptible variety to develop high yielding white jute variety for saline areas.

Responses of seed germination, seedling growth under salinity stresses and variability for phenotypic traits in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Salinity is a serious abiotic stress to Jute and other crop cultivation at saline regions in the world. No salt tolerant Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) variety was developed in Bangladesh. Hence, six Tossa Jute accessions were investigated at germination stage against six concentration levels (0.00 or d.H2O, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 14.0 and 16.0 dS m-1) of salt (NaCl) using RCB design at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during March-July, 2020. Jute seeds collected from Gene Bank of BJRI were allowed to germinate under laboratory condition. Seed germination rate was adversely affected as well as delay in germination was prolonged with increasing the salt concentration. In control, seeds were germinated up to 14.0 dS m-1 salt solution. Among six genotypes, Acc. 1141 and Acc. 3801 showed the highest germination rate (86.67 %); Acc. 3801 gave maximum root length (17.0 mm), dry biomass (6.37 mg); and Acc. 1089 showed higher shoot length (10.0 mm), fresh weight (43.93 mg) and salt tolerance index (60.69 %) under 14.0 dS m-1 level. Higher relative salt harm rate (7.14 %) was observed in both Acc. 1141 and Acc. 3801 under 14.0 dS m-1 salinity indicating highly tolerance to salinity. Acc. 3801 and Acc. 1141 were found good for germination under salt stresses; Acc. 3801, Acc. 1089 for fiber yield and salt tolerance; Acc. 3801 and Acc. 1407 for higher fiber yield. Acc. 3801 was found good for salt tolerance and fiber yield content. The genotypes with good desirable characters would be used as breeding materials to develop high yielding salt tolerant Tossa Jute variety.

Analyses of variability, euclidean clustering and principal components for genetic diversity of eight Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) genotypes

An investigation was done to assess the genetic variability, character associations, and genetic diversity of eight jute genotypes for seven morphological traits in a randomised complete block design at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during 15 March, 2018 to 31 December, 2019. Analyses results revealed significant differences (P<0.01) among all genotypes for studied traits indicating the presence of variability. All the lines performed better than one control (JRO-524), and the line (O-0412-9-4) provided good results for desired traits than all controls. Jute fibre yield showed the highest broad sense heritability (98.54%). The studied jute morphological traits i.e. Plant population, the plant height, green weight, dry fibre yield and dry stick yield gave high heritability along with high genotypic and phenotypic variances, genetic advances in percent of the mean, highly significant and positive correlations. It indicates the possibility of crop improvement through phenotypic selection and maximum genetic gain, simultaneously at the genotypic-phenotypic level. Clustering analysis grouped all genotypes into three distinct clusters. The cluster II showed the highest mean values for all traits followed by cluster I and III. The first two principal components with higher Eigen values (>1.0) accounted for 90.88% of the total variation in the principal component analysis. PCA and cluster analyses indicated that the advanced breeding line O-0412-9-4 made its individual cluster II with higher inter-cluster distance and higher fibre yield (3.12 t ha-1). The investigation was done to select the genotype(s) with good fibre yield and distinct features in respect of developing high yielding Tossa jute variety for cultivation in the farmers’ field. This genotype O-0412-9-4 was selected based on higher plant height, base diameter, fibre yield content. It will be developed as a high yielding variety considering its’ higher genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, significant associations for desirable characters.

BIONOMICS OF THE JUTE YELLOW MITE, POLYPHAGOTARSONEMUS LATUS (BANKS) (ACARI: TARSONEMIDAE) IN JUTE (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS L.) AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE-HUMIDITY

The jute yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus constitutes one of the major pests of jute crop in Bangladesh. The objective of this work was to study the biology of the P.latus, to determine its temperature-humidity responces in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) var. O-9897. Bionomics of jute yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus laenerationtus (Banks) were studied in the laboratory of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during March 2013 to September 2013. The incubation period of yellow mite on the variety O-9897 was 1.95 days for female and 1.90 days for male; larval period of 1.00 days for female, 0.75 days for male ; pupal period of 0.70 days for female and 0.71 days for male ; egg-adult period of 3.65 days for female and 3.44 days for male were highest in the 1st generation with 25.55±0.15oC and 56±1.47% relative humidity among three generations. pre-oviposition and oviposition period was o.65 days and 12.25 days. The highest longevity 13.45 days for female and 8.50 days for male. The daily mean of eggs were 2.20, 1.91 and 1.75 eggs in three successive generations. The number of eggs laid per female in her life time was 28.6, 24.8 and 12.2 eggs.

Determining Genetic Diversity of Deshi Jute (Corchorus capsularis) for the Improvement of Fibre Yield and Associated Traits

Commercially important natural fibres considered as fiber of the future are cultivated in different south-east Asian countries including India and Bangladesh. Unfortunately, they are characterized by limited genetic variation in terms of yield, quality and susceptibility to diseases and pests. Therefore, genetic deviation studies are crucial to develop a successful cultivation program to develop varieties to meet the growing demand for domestic and foreign jute products. In our study, which was conducted at the Central Jute Research Experiment Station of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), during Kharif seasons of 2014. 44 Thirteen progenies (1546, 1548, 4311, 4328, 4330, 4337, 4339, 5007, 6702/A, 6702/B, 6772, 6787, 6790) and two check varieties CVL-1 and CVE-3 (developed from Bangladesh Jute Research Institute) were investigated to study the genetic variability, genetic diversity and degree of association of different component characters related to fiber yield. The seeds of experimental plant materials were grown in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Statistical analysis was run to find out the genotypic and phenotypic variances, correlations and cluster analysis for fibre yield related traits namely plant height (m), base diameter (cm), stick weight (g), fiber weight (g). Highly significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the characters. Cluster analysis divided the accessions and varieties into four cluster. From our evaluation it was revealed that the treatment number 4337/06, 4339/06 and 6702/A performed better in most of the cases than the control varieties CVL-1 and CVE-3. These accessions may be used as parents for future variety development program.

Elucidation of Genotypic Variability, Character Association, and Genetic Diversity for Stem Anatomy of Twelve Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Genotypes.

Background and Aims Anatomy of twelve tossa jute genotypes were performed for the variability, heritability, and genetic advance based on yield attributing six anatomical traits. Materials and Methods The experiments were carried out in field and laboratory including 12 tossa jute genotypes followed by RCB design in JAES, Manikganj, and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during 2019-2020. Hypothesis. The tested genotypes were expected to perform better than controls in respect of anatomical characters contributing to fiber yield in tossa jute plants. Results Five genotypes, i.e., Acc. 1318, Acc. 1306, JRO S1, O-412-9-4, and O-0512-6-2 providing good results for the total fiber bundle area, trapezoid number, bark diameter, area of trapezoid, and bark thickness per transverse section in the anatomy of jute plants depicting the more variability (P > 0.01) as well as the possibility of tossa jute varietal development. These morphological and anatomical traits showing highly significant association (∗∗) with one another and coupled with high genetic and phenotypic variance components; high heritability; high and moderate genetic advance and higher divergence in clustering (D2), and PCA would be used as criteria for selection and improvement for fiber yield of tossa jute. Conclusions The high variation and divergence for anatomical characters may be considered an effective selection method of genotypes for higher fiber yield comparing with controls. The genotypes, i.e., Acc. 1318, Acc. 1306, JRO (segregate), O-412-9-4, and O-0512-6-2 with good anatomical traits related to fiber yield could be used as parents in breeding program as well as direct variety development.

Genetic divergence analysis of deshi jute (Corchorus capsularis) based on fibre yield and its attributing traits

Commercially important natural fibres considered as fiber of the future are obtained from the bark of two jute species (Corchorus capsularis L. and Corchorus olitorius L.), and they are cultivated in different south-east Asian countries including India and Bangladesh. Unfortunately, they are characterized by narrow genetic variability for adaptability to not only various agronomic environments, but also fibre yield, quality and susceptibility to diseases and pests. Therefore, research on genetic divergence in this crop is very important in formulating a successful breeding program for evolving cultivars superior in both yield and quality to cater to the increasing demand of value added jute products in the domestic and international markets. In our study, which was conducted at the Central Jute Research Experiment Station of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), during Kharif seasons of 2015.44 accessions of deshi jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) originated from different countries and two varieties CVL-1 and CVE-3 (developed from Bangladesh Jute Research Institute) as check were investigated to study the genetic variability, genetic diversity and degree of association of different component characters related to fiber yield. The seeds of experimental plant materials were grown in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Statistical analysis was run to find out the genotypic and phenotypic variances, correlations and cluster analysis for fibre yield related traits namely technical height (m), leaf angle (dg), leaf length (cm), leaf width (cm), petiole length (cm), node no., base diameter (mm), middle diameter (mm), top diameter (mm), core diameter (mm), dry fibre weight (g), dry stick weight (g). Highly significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the characters. Substantial amounts of genotypic variance were also obtained for all characters. Fibre weight was significantly and positively correlated with node no., base diameter, middle diameter, top diameter and core diameter. The clustering pattern revealed considerable amount of genetic diversity observed among the genotypes studied here and the accessions were grouped into five clusters. From two years’ evaluation it was revealed that the accessions 2512, 2445, 2749 and 2533performed better in most of the cases than the control varieties CVL-1 and CVE-3. These accessions may be used as parents for future variety development program.
 Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 26-35, 2020

Performance study on yield and yield attributes of seven white jute breeding lines at different regions of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to know the performance of growth, yield contributing parameters and yield of seven white Jute breeding line and two checks (CVL-1 and CVE-3) at five different jute research regional stations of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during the period from March to September 2014. The experimental data was laid out in a completely randomized block design with three replications and the means were adjudged by DMRT at 5% level of probability. The performances of experimental lines were showed statistically significant variation among the studied whole growth, yield and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the treatments for fibre yield and stick yield at Rangpur plant height, base diameter, fibre and stick yield at Manikganj plant height and fibre weight at Chandina, Faridpur and plant height at Kishoreganj. It was revealed by the pooled mean performance that among the genotypes, the line C-5018 m produce the tallest plant among the lines. The Line C-5030 recorded both the highest plant population (0.241 m/ha) and base diameter (21.79 mm). The line C-5133 showed highest Green weight with leaves (43.12 t/ha) whereas C-5149 recorded the greatest Green weight without leaves (35.02 t/ha). The most important parameter is the fiber yield and the highest-fibre weight (2.83 t/ha) was recorded by the line C-5149 among the seven breeding line. The line C-5149 also recorded the highest amount of stick yield (6.01 t/ha). However, pooled mean over stations revealed that no progenies, C-5018, C-5030, C-5036, C-5044, C-5133, C-5136, C-5149 out-yielded both the check varieties CVL-1 (2.83 t/ha) and CVE-3 (2.54t/ha) whereas C-5149(2.83t/ha) shows the equivalent result as CVL-1. It was also revealed that C-5030(2.61t/ha), C-5136(2.70t/ha) and C-5149(2.83t/ha) out yielded check variety CVE-3 (2.54t/ha).
 Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 19-25, 2020

Assessment of genetic variability in different kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) germplasm using morpho-agronomic traits

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a fiber crop classified in the genus Hibiscus (Malvaceae), and has a great potential for its multipurpose utilization, in addition to its traditional usage. Varietal identification of kenaf is always problematic and knowledge on genetic variability of kenaf varieties is also limited, which significantly hindered our effective utilization and conservation of the valuable kenaf germplasm. In order to find a proper method for identifying kenaf varieties and studying their variation, morpho-agronomic characters were analyzed. Fifty eight accessions of kenaf germplasm collected from Gene Bank Department of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute were characterized at Jute Agriculture Experiment Station, Manikganj during April 2014 to December 2014. The accessions were characterized for fifteen morpho-agronomic attributes as per Hibiscus descriptor in order to select superior genotypes for the genetic improvement of kenaf. Considerable ranges of variability were observed in stem colour, petiole colour, plant height, base diameter, dry fibre weight, dry core weight, green weight with leaves and green weight without leaves. Based on major yield contributing characters accessions 1653, 3384, 3928 and 4202 performed better than the control varieties HC-2 and HC-95.

Antioxidant properties of BJRI vegetable mesta-1 (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Roselle or Mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is one of the plants whose plant parts are used to prepare juices. The Roselle calyx is considered as a good source of antioxidants. But the antioxidant properties of BJRI (Bangladesh Jute Research Institute) released Roselle vegetable variety, BJRI vegetable mesta-1, is not quantified yet. With the objective of making this vegetable more popular among the consumers, an experiment was conducted at the Jute Agriculture Experimental Station, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Jagir, Manikganj to find out the antioxidant properties of BJRI vegetable mesta-1. Total four antioxidant components eg., total phenol content, total flavonoid content, proanthocyanidin content, anthocyanin content and three antioxidant activities eg., DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, (FRAP) ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), radical scavenging were measured from the calyx sample of BJRI vegetable mesta-1. Among the four antioxidant components, total flavonoid contents (959.53 mg 100 g–1) posses the highest position and anothocyanine contents (0.17 mg 100 g–1) were in the lowest position. FRAP activities were highest among the antioxidant activities of the calyx of our studied vegetable mesta. Our findings represented the quantity of antioxidant contents of the calyx of BJRI vegetable mesta-1 which justify its uses as natural antioxidants. Thus, Roselle calyx may act as an alternative source of antioxidant rich natural herbal tea.