Analyses of Genetic Variability, Character Association, Heritability and Genetic Advance of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Genotypes for Morphology & Stem Anatomy

Background and aims: Investigation was carried out to estimate the variability, heritability, genetic advance for fiber yield based on yield attributing morpho-anatomical traits of tossa jute in field and laboratory. Materials & Methods: The experiments were carried out using 12 tossa jute genotypes followed by randomized complete block design in five jute research regions (Rangpur, Faridpur, Jessore, Manikganj districts and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute head office, Dhaka) of Bangladesh during 2019-20. Hypothesis: The tested genotypes were expected to perform better for fiber yield than control varieties. Results: The jute genotypes i.e. Acc. 1318, Acc. 1306, (JRO S1), O-412-9-4, O-0512-6-2 providing good results for plant height, base diameter, green weight and dry fiber yield in morphological study; and total trapezoidal area per transverse section, number of trapezoid per T. section, bark diameter, bark thickness in anatomical study depicting the more variability as well as possibility of tossa jute development. These morphological and anatomical traits showing significant association with one another, and coupled with high genetic and phenotypic variance-covariance components; high heritability; high & moderate genetic advance and genetic advance in percent of mean would be used for selection of jute genotypes regarding the jute crop improvement for fiber yield. Conclusions: The high variation for morphological and anatomical characters may be considered as effective method for screening of jute genotypes for higher fiber yield comparing with control varieties. The genotypes i.e. Acc. 1318, Acc. 1306, (JRO S1), O-412-9-4, O-0512-6-2 with good morphological and anatomical traits related to yield could be used as parents in breeding program as well as jute variety development.