Breeding for photo-period insensitivity and fibre yield in capsularis jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Abstract

The photo-period insensitive mutant (0-18-7) and sensitive variety (JRC 7447) of capsularis jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) were crossed to raise F1 hybrid. The F1 plants had flower initiation in almost same duration as in sensitive parent showing dominance of sensitiveness to insensitiveness. From segregating F2 population two recombinants (0 90 and 0 110) were selected that flowered in 90 and 110 days respectively. Pedigree selection continued till the flowering habit was stable. These two selections and three sensitive varieties (JRC 7447, JRC 212 and JRC 321) were sown every month round the year. The selections flowered almost in 90 and 110 days respectively while the sensitive varieties had variation in flowering time for different sowing times. Yield trials twice in April and once in June registered superiority of these two selections at 100-day harvest in April trials and that of 0 110 at 120 day harvest, to the control.