Hybridization Among Tossa Jute Genotypes (Corchorus olitorius L.) to Create Genetic Variability for Higher Fiber Yield and Quality

Hybridization is a fundamental breeding approach for generating genetic variability and developing high-yielding cultivars in self-pollinated crops like tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.). In August 2024, a total of 22 genotypes including four released varieties, nine advanced lines, six accessions, and three low-lignin experimental lines were planted at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka. To ensure synchronized flowering, seeds were sown in three intervals at 15-day gaps. Partial hybridization was performed, resulting in 440 attempted crosses. Among these, 150 successful single crosses were obtained, leading to 88 distinct progeny types. These crosses included combinations among high-yielding varieties, stress-tolerant accessions, and low-lignin genotypes, creating opportunities to pyramid desirable traits into a single genetic background. The harvested hybrid seeds will be evaluated in subsequent generations (F₁–F₂) for morphological variability, fiber yield and quality. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of strategic hybridization for broadening the genetic base of tossa jute, particularly for breeding high-yielding, climate-resilient and low-lignin varieties.

Keywords: Corchorus olitorius; Hybridization; Genetic variability; Lignin reduction; Fiber crops; Jute breeding