Corchorus Capsularis Research Articles

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.

Low Temperature Effect on Different Varieties of Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius at Seedling Stage

To address the demand for natural fibers, developing new varieties that are resistant to abiotic stress is necessary. The present study was designed to investigate the physiological and biochemical traits of three varieties of C. capularis (Y49, Y38, and Y1) and four varieties C. olitorius (T8, W57, M33, M18) under low temperature to identify the cold-tolerant varieties and elucidate the mechanisms involved in enhancing cold tolerance. Research findings revealed that the varieties Y49 and M33 exhibited the highest chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Biochemical profiles revealed that varieties Y49 and M33 were found to be able to withstand low-temperature stress by accumulating different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APx), glutathione (GSH), and phenolics, which participated in reducing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) caused by low temperature. Osmolytes compounds, such as total soluble sugar, significantly increased in Y49 and M33; and proline content decreased in all varieties except Y49 and M33 after low-temperature exposure. The rise in these osmolytes molecules can be a defense mechanism for the jute’s osmotic readjustment to reduce the oxidative damage induced by low temperature. Furthermore, PCA and hierarchical cluster analysis distinguished the seven varieties into three separate groups. Results confirmed that group I (Y49 and M33 varieties) were low-temperature tolerant, group II (M18, W57) were intermediate, whereas III groups (Y38, T8, and Y1) were low temperature susceptible. PCA also explained 88.36% of the variance of raw data and clearly distinguished three groups that are similar to the cluster heat map. The study thus confirmed the tolerance of selected varieties that might be an efficient adaptation strategy and utilized them for establishing breeding programs for cold tolerance.

The BAHD Gene Family in Cacao (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae): Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis

The benzyl alcohol O-acetyl transferase, anthocyanin O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, N-hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilate benzoyl transferase, and deacetylvindoline 4-O-acetyltransferase (BAHD) enzymes play a critical role in regulating plant metabolites and affecting cell stability. In the present study, members of the BAHD gene family were recognized in the genome of Theobroma cacao and characterized using various bioinformatics tools. We found 27 non-redundant putative tcBAHD genes in cacao for the first time. Our findings indicate that tcBAHD genes are diverse based on sequence structure, physiochemical properties, and function. When analyzed with BAHDs of Gossypium raimondii and Corchorus capsularis clustered into four main groups. According to phylogenetic analysis, BAHD genes probably evolved drastically after their divergence. The divergence time of duplication events with purifying selection pressure was predicted to range from 1.82 to 15.50 MYA. Pocket analysis revealed that serine amino acid is more common in the binding site than other residuals, reflecting its key role in regulating the activity of tcBAHDs. Furthermore, cis-acting elements related to the responsiveness of stress and hormone, particularly ABA and MeJA, were frequently observed in the promoter region of tcBAHD genes. RNA-seq analysis further illustrated that tcBAHD13 and tcBAHD26 are involved in response to Phytophthora megakarya fungi. In conclusion, it is likely that evolutionary processes, such as duplication events, have caused high diversity in the structure and function of tcBAHD genes.

Magnesium transporter Gene Family: Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization in Theobroma cacao, Corchorus capsularis, and Gossypium hirsutum of Family Malvaceae

Magnesium (Mg) is an element involved in various key cellular processes in plants. Mg transporter (MGT) genes play an important role in magnesium distribution and ionic balance maintenance. Here, MGT family members were identified and characterized in three species of the plant family Malvaceae, Theobroma cacao, Corchorus capsularis, and Gossypium hirsutum, to improve our understanding of their structure, regulatory systems, functions, and possible interactions. We identified 18, 41, and 16 putative non-redundant MGT genes from the genome of T. cacao, G. hirsutum, and C. capsularis, respectively, which clustered into three groups the maximum likelihood tree. Several segmental/tandem duplication events were determined between MGT genes. MGTs appear to have evolved slowly under a purifying selection. Analysis of gene promoter regions showed that MGTs have a high potential to respond to biotic/abiotic stresses and hormones. The expression patterns of MGT genes revealed a possible role in response to P. megakarya fungi in T. cacao, whereas MGT genes showed differential expression in various tissues and response to several abiotic stresses, including cold, salt, drought, and heat stress in G. hirsutum. The co-expression network of MGTs indicated that genes involved in auxin-responsive lipid metabolism, cell wall organization, and photoprotection can interact with MGTs.

QTL Mapping and Expression Analysis of Candidate Genes for Salt and Drought Tolerance in Corchorus capsularis Seedlings

QTL Mapping and Expression Analysis of Candidate Genes for Salt and Drought Tolerance in Corchorus capsularis Seedlings

A Study on the Determination of Some Physical and Physiological Properties of Seeds of Two Different Jute Varieties (Corchorus capsularis L. and Corchorus olitorius L.)

In recent years, the production of natural and recyclable, environmentally friendly products has come to the fore rather than textile and textile products produced from petroleum resources. One of the materials used in the production of these products is the Jute plant. This study was carried out in a laboratory environment under controlled conditions between 2019 and 2020. In the study, some physical (shape-size, surface area, average arithmetic-geometric diameter, sphericity, thousand grain weight) and physiological properties (germination percentage and time, average shoot-root lengths) of seeds belonging to two different varieties of Jute plant (Corchorus capsularis L. and Corchorus olitorius L.) were determined. According to the data obtained; It has been determined that C. capsularis variety has a short and oval structure, while C. olitorius variety has a medium and oval structure. Furthermore, the germination rate was determined as 74.5% in C. capsularis seeds and 63.5% in C. olitorius seeds.

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.

Production and Profitability Study of White Jute Seed at Farmer’s Level in Different Areas of Bangladesh

Production and Profitability Study of White Jute Seed at Farmer’s Level in Different Areas of Bangladesh

In silico identification of conserved miRNAs in the genome of fibre biogenesis crop Corchorus capsularis

Corchorus capsularis, commonly known as jute occupies the leading position in the production of natural fibre alongside lower environmental threat. Small noncoding ~21 to 24 nucleotides long microRNAs play significant roles in regulating the gene expression as well as different functions in cellular growth and development. Here, the study adopted a comprehensive in silico approach to identify and characterize the conserved miRNAs in the genome of C. capsularis including functional annotation of specific gene targets. Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) based homology search of 3350 known miRNAs of dicotyledons were allowed against 763 non-redundant ESTs of jute genome, resulted in the prediction of 5 potential miRNA candidates belonging five different miRNA families (miR1536, miR9567-3p, miR4391, miR11300, and miR8689). The putative miRNAs were composed of 18 nucleotides having a range of -0.49 to -1.56 MFEI values and 55%–61% of (A + U) content in their pre-miRNAs. A total of 1052 gene targets of putative miRNAs were identified and their functions were extensively analyzed. Most of the gene targets were involved in plant growth, cell cycle regulation, organelle synthesis, developmental process and environmental responses. Five gene targets, namely, NAC Domain Containing Protein, WRKY DNA binding protein, 3-dehydroquinate synthase, S-adenosyl-L-Met–dependent methyl transferase and Vascular-related NAC-Domain were found to be involved in the lignin biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid pathways and secondary wall formation. The present study might accelerate the more miRNA discovery, strengthening the complete understanding of miRNAs association in the cellular basis of lignin biosynthesis towards the production of high standard jute products.

Comparative transcriptome sequencing analysis and functional identification of a NAM-2-like gene in jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) is one of the most important sources of natural fibre. Drought is among the main factors affecting the production of jute. It is essential for drought tolerance improvement to discover the genes associated with jute development during drought stress. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome of jute under drought stress and identified new genes involved in drought stress response. In total, 120,219 transcripts with an average length of 764 bp were obtained, these transcripts included 94,246 unigenes (average length, 622 bp). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered in drought stress (1329), among which 903 genes showed up-regulated expression, while 426 genes showed down-regulated expression. GO enrichment analyses indicated most of the enriched biological pathways were biosynthesis pathways of organic ring compounds and cellular nitrogen compounds. KEGG enrichment analyses indicated 573 DEGs were involved in 157 metabolic pathways. RT-qPCR experiments indicated that the expression trends were consistent with the results of the high-throughput sequencing. Over-expression of no apical meristem (NAM) -2-like gene increased drought tolerance and knockdown plants were drought sensitive. It has expression peaks after 6 h of drought stress and regulate 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase gene expression. Yeast-2-Hybrid assays validated the physical interaction between NAM-2-like protein and KCS. The results provide relatively comprehensive information regarding genes and metabolic pathways that lays the foundation for the breeding of drought-resistant varieties, and represent the first identification of NAM-2-like gene and provides new insight into the regulatory network of drought tolerance in Corchorus capsularis L.

Total antioxidant capacity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds in jute leaves by HPLC-DAD

Jute leaves (Corchorus spp.) have been used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of various diseases. The study was investigated on the antioxidant activities and HPLC profiling of polyphenolic compounds in ethanol extract of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) and Corchorus capsularis (C. capsularis) leaves. The total antioxidant capacity was evaluated by phosphomolybdenum method and Identification and quantification of polyphenolic compounds were performed using HPLC-DAD system. The results indicated that eight polyphenolic compounds were found in the C. capsularis leaves but C. olitorius leaves contain six polyphenolic compounds. In fact, major identified polyphenolic compounds of C. capsularis leaves were caffeic acid (CA), 55.93±0.13; trans-ferulic acid (FA), 58.02±0.18; rutin hydrate (RH), 32.16±0.08; ellagic acid (EA), 53.65±0.11 and quercetin hydrate (QU), 46.17±0.09 mg/100 g of dry extract respectively. Whereas in C. olitorius leaves which were rutin hydrate (RH), 152.17±0.51; ellagic acid (EA), 143.27±0.58 and quercetin hydrate (QU), 292.83±0.73 mg/100 g of dry extract respectively. The results showed that C. capsularis leaves contained high level of total antioxidant capacity (214.32±1.95 mg of ascorbic acid/g of dry extract) than that of C. olitorius (165.66±1.30 mg of ascorbic acid/g of dry extract) leaves. The overall data suggested that C. olitorius and C. capsularis leaves contain a significant amount of several polyphenolic compounds that could be used as a natural antioxidant for functional foods.

Tribological and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Chemically Modified Musa Acuminata / Corchorus Capsularis Reinforced Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT This paper explores the tribological efficiency of Musa acuminata (B – Banana)/Corchorus capsularis (J – Jute) fibers reinforced epoxy-based tribo-composites which was fabricated by varying the content of these fibers (MC1 – 15 wt.% of Banana and 15 wt.% of Jute, MC2 – 20 wt.% of Banana and 20 wt.% of Jute and MC3 – 25 wt.% of Banana and 25 wt.% of Jute) by means of the compression molding method. The pin-on-disk dry wear check was carried out by varying the load conditions (20, 40 and 60 N) and sliding distance (602.88, 1205.76 and 1808.64 m). The experimental outcomes disclosed that the hybrid composites have superior properties than the single fiber-reinforced composites. Moreover, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the damaged surfaces of the samples.

Structural characterization of potassium hydroxide liquor lignin and its application in biorefinery

The structural characteristics of the lignin from potassium hydroxide (KOH) liquor of jute stick (Corchorus capsularis) pulping were determined and compared with the isolated dioxane lignin from jute stick. The lignin structure was characterized by elemental, methoxyl group analysis, UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR, 31P-NMR, and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and molecular weight. 2D-NMR of both lignins isolated showed a predominance of β-O-4 aryl ether linkages. KOH pulping cleaved β-O-4 aryl ether linkage and increased phenolic hydroxyl group and reduced molecular weight. KOH lignin can replace 40% phenol in phenol-formaldehyde resin with satisfactory shear strength.

Screening and analysis of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in jute leaves and their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in cells

AbstractJute (Corchorus capsularis L.) is an annual herb of the bast fiber plant and has great potentials in food and medicinal usages because of its various bioactivities. In this study, ultrafiltration coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was established for screening xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the jute leaves extract. Under the optimum screening conditions, three inhibitors were successfully screened and identified as chlorogenic acid, echinacoside, and isorhamnetin-rutinoside with UV and MS data. The fluorescent quenching analysis showed that three inhibitors quenched the fluorescence intensities of enzyme with different binding capacities. For further exploring the bioactivity of three inhibitors, the protective effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was investigated using human normal liver cell (LO2), human gastric mucosal epithelial cell (GES-1), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). As a result, they exhibited protective effects on three injured cells in dose-dependent manners without cytotoxicity. To evaluate the difference among different jute species obtained in our laboratories, the amounts of three compounds in ten samples were assessed and analyzed. The results showed that it could be divided into three groups. The jute leaves showed nutrient and medical potentials and deserved further research on pharmaceutical and biochemical utilization in future.

Platinum Nanoparticle Based Dip‐Catalyst for Facile Hydrogenation of Quinoline, Unfunctionalized Olefins, and Imines

AbstractDeveloping a bio‐inspired catalyst with the efficiency of homogeneous catalysts and recyclability similar to heterogeneous catalysts is quite desirable but challenging. Incorporation of metal nanoparticles (<10 nm) on abundant, low‐cost supports from agricultural waste can yield highly active and product‐selective pseudo‐homogeneous catalysts, with attributes such as ease of retrieval for next use, reusability, etc. In this work, the fabrication of an efficient and reusable ‘dip‐catalyst’ by anchoring platinum nanoparticles on white jute plant (Corchorus capsularis) stems (JPS) and its use for the hydrogenation of N‐heteroarenes, unfunctionalized olefins, and imines are described. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, FTIR, and XPS, and TEM shows spherical (average diameter 4–5 nm) non‐agglomerated metal nanoparticles. Catalyst was used for the chemoselective (>99 % selectivity) hydrogenation of quinoline with a quantitative (>99 %) conversion to 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline (py‐THQ) under hydrogen at a pressure <30 bar. Also, functional group tolerance is indicated by the quantitative hydrogenation of 6‐chloroquinoline to 6‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline, which is a longstanding challenge owing to C−Cl bond cleavage. In the hydrogenation of structurally‐challenging trisubstituted trans‐2‐methyl‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐ol olefins, 64 % conversion and >99 % selectivity was achieved. A series of imines with different chain lengths was also hydrogenated selectively in methanol with >99 % conversion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the efficient adsorption of 6‐chloroquinoline on the surface of Pt nanoparticles on Pt@JPS strips in a tilted orientation placing the C−Cl bond away from the metal and allowing facile desorption of 6‐chloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline leading to higher chemoselectivity. The spent catalyst can be reused for 12 consecutive cycles without significant damage to the cellulosic surface.

Comparative Study on Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Jute Leaf on Neonatal Streptozotocin- Induced Type-2 Diabetic Model Rat

Aim: Functional food and their bioactive compounds have been considered as a new approach for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and its complications. According to this approach current study was carried out as an elucidation of antidiabetic properties of Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius varieties of jute leaf (ethanolic extract) on nSTZ-induced type-2 diabetic rats.
 Methodology: The type-2 diabetic model rat was developed by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared STZ (90 mg/kg/10 ml) in sterile citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5) to rat pups (48 hour old). After three months, OGTT was performed to select diabetic (FSG > 6.5mmol/L and after 90 min of glucose load > 14 mmol/L) experimental rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups [DWC, GT, Ext-1 and Ext-2 represent, diabetic water control, glybenclamide treated (20 mg/5 ml/kg body weight), C. capsularis treated and C. olitorius treated group (1.25 g/10 ml/kg body weight) respectively]. One group was kept with normal rats [normal water control, NWC]. The treatment was given once daily or 28 consecutive days. Fasting serum glucose, liver glycogen and lipid profile were estimated by using standard methods.
 Results: The results showed that Ext-1 and Ext-2 treated groups gradually decreased serum glucose level (7.15 ±0.67 to 5.94 ± 1.19 and 7.20 ± 0.93 to 5.28 ±1.03 respectively) and reducing effect by Ext-2 was significant (p=0.001). Both extract showed lower liver glycogen level compared with GT group [5.0±2.5 Vs 17.7±6.5 (Ext-1 vs GT) and 7.5±6.4 Vs 17.7±6.5 (Ext-2 vs GT)] and even Ext-1 manifested significant effect (p=0.05). Additionally, lipid profile estimation revealed no significant improvement by the consumption of both the extracts.
 Conclusion: On the basis of current investigations, it may be concluded that both variety of jute’s leaf demonstrated hypoglycemic properties in Type 2 diabetic model rats; further in-depth studies are recommended to explore the exact mechanism(s) of hypoglycemic effect.

Studies on Character Association and Genetic Divergence in White Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Background: In white jute, very limited success has been reported by researchers to break yield plateau due to the narrow genetic base of the genetic material available with the breeders. Evaluation of agronomic traits and information about genetic variance in the breeding population is essential for selection and in planning crosses to enhance the productivity and diversity in cultivars. Yield character components are inherited and each one accounts for variations in yield, hence interrelated with each other. The current investigation was done to measure the genetic variability and genetic diversity of white jute genotypes for characters and interrelationship that contribute to yield and fibre quality.Methods: In the present study, fifty-two white jute (C. capsularis L.) genotypes were assessed during the Pre-Kharif season of 2017 at the Teaching Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mandouri, Nadia, West Bengal. Plants were raised in randomized block design with three replications. Statistical analysis was done for the estimation of ANOVA variability, correlation and path analysis and genetic divergence.Result: Plant height and bark thickness with high heritability and high genetic advance were identified as important selection parameters. Plant height, bark thickness and green weight per plant had a significantly high positive correlation with dry fibre weight per plant both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Plant height had the highest contribution toward the dry fibre weight followed by bark thickness. Genotypes were grouped into 13 clusters and cluster I had the highest number of 23 genotypes. The inter-cluster distance was found maximum between cluster I and cluster VI. Cluster XI recorded the highest mean for the plant height. Ten genotypes identified from different clusters in this study can be incorporated as donors in hybridization to combine both yield and improved fibre quality.

Bioassay-based Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived \u03b2-sitosterol exerts antileishmanial effects against Leishmania donovani by targeting trypanothione reductase

Leishmaniasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Among the various clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the deadliest. Current antileishmanial drugs exhibit toxicity- and resistance-related issues. Therefore, advanced chemotherapeutic alternatives are in demand, and currently, plant sources are considered preferable choices. Our previous report has shown that the chloroform extract of Corchorus capsularis L. leaves exhibits a significant effect against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. In the current study, bioassay-guided fractionation results for Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived β-sitosterol (β-sitosterolCCL) were observed by spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC–MS). The inhibitory efficacy of this β-sitosterolCCL against L. donovani promastigotes was measured (IC50 = 17.7 ± 0.43 µg/ml). β-SitosterolCCL significantly disrupts the redox balance via intracellular ROS production, which triggers various apoptotic events, such as structural alteration, increased storage of lipid bodies, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, externalization of phosphatidylserine and non-protein thiol depletion, in promastigotes. Additionally, the antileishmanial activity of β-sitosterolCCL was validated by enzyme inhibition and an in silico study in which β-sitosterolCCL was found to inhibit Leishmania donovani trypanothione reductase (LdTryR). Overall, β-sitosterolCCL appears to be a novel inhibitor of LdTryR and might represent a successful approach for treatment of VL in the future.

Weed dynamics under semidry rice as influenced by integrated weed management

A field study was carried out during Kharif, 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of integrated weed management on weed dynamics under semidry rice. The associated weed flora in semidry rice includes Trianthema portulacastram, Parthenium hysterophorus, Alternanthera sessilis, Digera arvensis, Corchorus capsularis as broad leaved weeds; Echinocloa colona as grass; Cyperus rotundus as sedge. Pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 20 g a.i ha-1 PE fb chlorimuron ethyl + metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g a.i ha-1 + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl @ 60 g a.i ha-1 PoE was found effective among all the herbicidal treatments in reducing weed density and dry matter with maximum grain yield and B:C ratio.

Overexpression of CcNAC1 gene promotes early flowering and enhances drought tolerance of jute (Corchorus capsularis L.).

Drought is the main factor that significantly affects plant growth and has devastating effects on crop production of jute. NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) are a large gene family in plants that have been shown to play many important roles in regulating developmental processes and abiotic stress resistance. In this study, a NAC transcription factor, CcNAC1, was cloned and characterized its function in jute. RT-qPCR analysis showed that CcNAC1 expression peaks after 8h of drought stress. CcNAC1 overexpression and knockdown plants were created by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. PCR and southern hybridization results indicate that the CcNAC1 gene was integrated into the genome of jute. Overexpression of the CcNAC1 gene sped up the plant growth, promoted early flowering, and increased drought tolerance compared to the control plants. 3-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) gene expression level increased significantly in the CcNAC1-overexpression plants and decreased in knockdown plants, which showed that CcNAC1 transcription factor regulated KCS gene expression. Yeast-2-Hybrid (Y2H) assays validated the physical interaction between CcNAC1 and KCS. The results provide relatively comprehensive information on the molecular mechanisms of CcNAC1 gene underlying the regulation of plant growth and drought stress resistance, and indicate that CcNAC1 acts as a positive regulator in drought tolerance in jute (Corchorus capsularis L.).