Genetic diversity in jute (Corchorus spp) and its utilization: a review

Abstract

Natural fibres of commercial importance are obtained from the bark of two jute species (Corchorus capsularis L. and C. olitorius L.), and they are cultivated in different south-east Asian countries including India and Bangladesh. High-yielding varieties of both species evolved around a very narrow genetic base, supported by pedigree relationship, morphological analysis including distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing and molecular marker analysis. A number of microsatellite markers developed recently has shown sufficient transferability between these two species and effectiveness in elucidating polymorphism. Molecular analysis of germplasm and released elite varieties using different marker systems indicated more narrowness of C. capsularis as compared to C. olitorius. The differentiation and separation of both species in the evolutionary pathway may not be recent, although cultivation for fibre use has a short history. Intra-specific hybridization utilizing diverse genotypes and inter-specific hybridization between C. capsularis/ C. olitorius and wild species having quality fibre characteristics and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses should be emphasized to widen the narrow genetic base of both species