Identification of Elite Parental Lines in White Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) based on Fiber AnatomicalTraits and Diallel Hybridization

Abstract

White jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) is an important bast fiber crop, but reliable selection criteria for improved fibre yield and quality remain limited.  This study, conducted at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) in Dhaka, aimed to identify elite parental lines by assessing fiber anatomical properties and diallel hybridization performance. Seven genotypes, comprising five advanced breeding lines and two established varieties (CC-45 and BJRI deshi pat 9), were evaluated at 100 days post-sowing for bark diameter, bark thickness, number of fiber-bundle layers per trapezoid, trapezoid height, and trapezoid area. Significant genotypic differences were apparent for all measured characteristics. Notably, advanced lines C-870 and C-2262 consistently showed better bark development, increased compactness of the fiber bundle and larger trapezoid areas, indicating a strong fiber yield potential. The full diallel mating programme resulted in 48 successful hybridizations out of 95 attempted crosses, giving a total cross-ability of 50.52 percent. The crosses involving C-870 and C-2262 have shown a relatively high success rate, which confirms their efficacy as parental surrogates in hybrid breeding programmes. Combined anatomical superiority and satisfactory hybridization performance confirm C-870 and C-2262 as the elite breeding lines for improving fiber yield and quality in breeding programmes for white jute.

SAARC J. Agric., 24(1): 127-140 (2026)