Bangladesh Jute Research Articles

Seed Quality of Corchorus capsularis in Bangladesh

The experiments were carried out at Plant Pathology Department, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fifteen Seed samples of 10 varieties of Corchorus capsularis collected from seven research stations (Kishorganj, Comilla, Jessore, Potuakhali, Manikganj, Dinajpur and Rangpur) of BJRI for evaluating the quality of seeds, where1000-seed weight/sample ranged from 3.05 to 3.67g, the lowest and highest weights were recorded in CVL–1 of Comilla and in Breeder Seed of CVL-1of Manikganj. Highest pure seed (96.40%) recorded in CVL – 1 of Jessore and lowest (89.41%) in Breeder seed CVL – 1 of Manikganj. The Germination of collected seeds varied from 56 to 88%, where the highest and lowest counts were made in CVL -1 of Rangpur and CVL – 1 of Jessore. The highest (21%) seed yielded fungi per sample of Breeder seed CVL -1 of Manikganj and lowest (6%) in Deshi pat -1 of Potuakhali. The highest ratio (7.3:1) between % seed germination and % seed germination failure found in CVL -1 of Rangpur and lowest ratio (1.2:1) in CVL - 1 of Jessore. Seed borne fungi viz. Macrophomina phaseolina, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum corchori, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium Spp. were determined. IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 7(2): 152-162

Decoding the mystery of Bangladesh's jute decline: A climate crisis or plastic predicament

Decoding the mystery of Bangladesh's jute decline: A climate crisis or plastic predicament

BJRI Mesta 4: A newly released improved vegetable Mesta variety of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Vegetable mesta, also known as roselle, is a common species in many countries for confectioneries and a good source of nutrients and antioxidants. BJRI Mesta 4 is a nutrient-rich, climate-smart and widely adaptable vegetable Mesta cultivar that was developed by the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and released by the National Seed Board (NSB) in 2022. To explore the superiority of the new variety, a study was conducted on yield and yield components using multivariate analysis over two planting seasons compared with the well-known variety BJRI Mesta 2. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01 or 0.05) were recorded among the qualitative and quantitative traits. It also possesses in Multi-location Trials during 2018 and 2019, the average yield of leaf, fruit and calyx of BJRI Mesta 4 was found 7.25%, 11.51% and 10.49% higher in BJRI regional stations respectively compared to the check variety. Plant height, branches per plant, fruit yield and leaf yield were taken into consideration during selection to create vegetable mesta types with appropriate yield. However, based on yield capacity, adaptability and nutraceutical properties, the newly released cultivar BJRI Mesta 4 can be recommended and promoted to the herbal food product industry in addition to being a substitute for leafy vegetables. With these views kept in mind, the study that has been conducted now may help in creating trustworthy selection criteria for programs to improve vegetable mesta breeding in the future.

Genetic variability, character association and path analyses effects on fiber yield and yield attributing morpho-agronomic traits of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural fiber crop having a lower extent of genetic variability due to its self-pollinating nature. The success of any breeding program for variety development primarily depends on the presence of genetic variation in the parental genotypes. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design at ManikganjStation of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during 2019-2020. The genetic divergence of 58 tossa jute (C. olitorius) genotypes including two pre-released standard varieties (O-9897, BJRI Tossa pat 4) and 56 accessions were studied to select genotypes having the most divergence in natural rainy condition. The jute genotypes were categorized into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Cluster I and IV showed maximum inter-cluster distance (181.44) while the maximum intra-cluster distance (16.15) was recorded in cluster I. Cluster V revealed the highest values for number of nodes, stem mid-diameter, core diameter, green weight with leaves, dry stick weight and dry fiber weight per plant while cluster IV showed higher means for plant height, green bark thickness and leaf area. The highest contribution (47.14%) was wielded by plant height of total deviations. The results recommended that hybridization between genotypes of cluster V, IV and III could provide a wide range of discrepancies in the segregating generation which could offer chance for isolation of good genotypes with high fibre yielding lines.

Influence of Mn on dry yield and nutrient uptake by new jute variety BJRI Tossa-7

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2018-2019 at the vital place of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Mn fertilizer on the dry matter yield and potential nutrient uptake of the newly developed jute variety BJRI Tossa jute-7. The treatments used in the experiments were T1: Control, T2: RDF sole (N90P10 K30 S20kg/ha), T3: RDF + 1 kg Mn/ha, T4: RDF + 2 kg Mn/ha, T5: RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha and T6: RDF + 4 kg Mn/ha. Mn application had a favorable effect on the dry matter yield of jute. Among the fertilizers of Mn with RDF, interaction promoted the dry yield biomass compared to sole RDF and control. Maximum dry matter yield (leaves + shoots + roots) achieved (20000 kg/ha) with T5 (RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha) and minimum (6421 kg/ha) in T1 (control). Study indicated that it needs to apply Mn to obtain optimum yield production. The interaction effect of Mn, NPK and S fertilizer significantly influenced nutrient uptake by the jute plant. The uptake of nutrient found highest N (218.9 kg/ha) in T5, P (92.75 kg/ha) in T3, K (239.73 kg/ha) with T6, S (19.59 kg/ha) in T4, Fe (0.64 kg/ha) in T5, Zn (0.38 kg/ha) in T5 and Mn (0.63 kg/ha) recorded in T6. The amount of micro nutrient uptake may be arranged in the order of Mn >Zn> Fe. Considering the highest uptake of major element, it can be kept as in the order of K > N>P>S. Study indicated that a higher rate of nutrient uptake was promoted dry matter accumulation in jute. Research revealed that the rate of nutrient uptake maximized with the addition of Mn in the RDF treatment. Hence, it could be concluded that applying RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha may be a suitable dose for optimum yield production of jute. Yet, in order to draw a sound conclusion, repeating the experiment is needed. In the future, the study will be a guideline for further investigation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 87-95, June 2024

Early Stage Responses of Jute, Kenaf and Mesta in Arsenic Contamination Soil

A pot experiment conducted at BJRI (Bangladesh Jute Research Institute) in Dhaka from September to December 2023 assessed the responses of Jute, Kenaf, and Mesta to arsenic-contaminated soil. Arsenic (As) poses environmental hazards and toxicity. BJRI Deshi Pat 7, BJRI Kenaf-2 (HC-95) and BJRI Mesta-2 (VM-1) were grown for 42 days in 36 pots with four treatment levels of As (0 ml/L, 10 ml/L, 20 ml/L, and 30 ml/L) with four replications each. Results indicate Kenaf and Mesta demonstrated high potential to tolerate As toxicity with no significant effects on survivability. However, root length, shoot length, dry weight, fresh weight and bio-concentration factor decreased with increasing As treatment levels. The translocation factor indicated slow translocation from root to shoot, increasing with As concentration. BJRI Kenaf-2 (HC-95) accumulated the highest As (16.5 ml/L) at 30 ml/L As. BJRI Deshi Pat 7 and BJRI Mesta-2 (VM-1) showed good biomass production and low phytotoxicity to As making them suitable for cultivation in As-prone areas. BJRI Kenaf-2 (HC-95) exhibited the highest response to As at early growth stages, with the order of As absorption and tolerance potentiality being BJRI Kenaf-2 (HC-95) > BJRI Mesta-2 (VM-1) >BJRI Deshi Pat 7. These varieties are recommended for cultivation in As-contaminated soil.

Forecasting of area, production, and yield of jute in Bangladesh using Box-Jenkins ARIMA model

Forecasting of area, production, and yield of jute in Bangladesh using Box-Jenkins ARIMA model

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)

Life cycle carbon, energy, water, and landuse footprints of agricultural residue-based biojet fuel in Bangladesh

Biojet fuel is a low carbon alternative to fossil jet fuel. There is limited literature on life cycle environmental performance of biojet fuel from 2nd generation biomass feedstocks. This research (i) assesses biojet fuel potential from rice, wheat, jute and potato residues in Bangladesh and (ii) conducts farm to factory gate attributional Life Cycle Assessment of biojet fuel. Bangladesh can produce 1074 to 2548 million liters of biojet fuel annually, under different scenarios, with a more realistic potential of 1810 million liters annually. This is 4.5 times higher than the current jet fuel demand of the country. The carbon, energy and landuse footprints of biojet fuel are lower than fossil jet fuel, however, the water footprint is higher. The Energy Return on Investment (EROI) ranges from 1.60 to 1.78. The outcomes of this research will contribute to UN SDGs 7 & 13 and biojet fuel development in Bangladesh. • Agro-residue biomass and biojet fuel potential is assessed for Bangladesh. • Bangladesh can produce 44.87 million tonne agro-residue biomass annually. • Biojet fuel potential is 1810 million liter, 4.5 times higher than current jet fuel demand. • Environmental impact of biojet fuel: jute stalk < rice straw < wheat straw < potato leaves.

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

Commercialization of Bangladeshi Jute and Jute goods: A Special Case Study

Due to new market entrants, marketing of raw jute and jute products is currently under intense competitive pressure. In Bangladesh, the production of diverse jute products has also picked up speed. This study tries to identify new markets for goods made of jute in Bangladesh. Fifteen target markets of five different continents are examined in this regard. To get a full idea about the market different factors, consumer behavior of some markets, supply chain analysis including industry analysis is done. Traders and product demand of those countries have also identified in this paper. After analysis this research gives us the idea that Bangladesh earns more by exporting value added products than raw jute. Also, it suggests some marketing strategies for the exporter and will give a easy way to commercialize their produced products to the International market. Keywords: Brightness level, FTIR, Shrinkage test, Diversified jute.

HRM Practices and Operational Performance at Jute Spinning Mills in Bangladesh

This study is directed to concentrate on the practices of human resource management (HRM) in private enterprise as well as inspect the HRM practices affecting operational performance (non-financial). Survey questionnaire has been heading for collecting data from 120 staffs based on Random Sampling Technique working in three organizations to be specific Rahman Jute Spinners (Pvt.) Ltd., Jamuna Jute Industries Ltd. and North Bengal Golden Fiber &amp; Diversified Jute Mills which are working under Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA). Correlation Test, ANOVA Test and Regression Coefficient Test were done to bring out the outcomes of the study. The results uncovered that, noteworthy and satisfactory relationship exists among HRM functions (namely practices of recruitment and selection, assessment of performance, compensation and reward, training and development) and performance of operations. This study gives insight in terms of ensuring sustainable operational performance by practice these HRM practices which will ultimately accelerate the productivity of employees as well as private jute mills in Bangladesh.

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.

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.