Showing papers on "Corchorus olitorius published in 2014"

Physico Chemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, Phytochemicals and Sensory Evaluation of Rice-Based Extrudates Containing Dried Corchorus olitorius l. Leaves

Abstract: Jew's mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) leaves powder was added to rice flour at levels of 0% to 5% and extruded in single screw extruder to produce healthy extrudates. Process variables (feed moisture, feed rate, screw speed and temperature) were kept constant. The effects of adding Jew's mallow leaves on functional properties, color attributes, some phytochemicals contents, antioxidant activity and sensory properties of the resultant extrudates were evaluated. Adding Jew's mallow leaves had significant impact on all functional properties and color attributes of the resultant extrudates. It significantly increased the contents of phytochemicals determined. Antioxidant activity of the extrudates measured by DPPH and ABTS assays significantly increased with adding Jew's mallow leaves. Also, the addition significantly enhanced the sensory properties of the extruded products up to 3%. The resultant products had an improved nutritional profile compared with other extruded products being a good source of some phytochemicals and had high antioxidant activity.

Genetic linkage map construction for white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) using SRAP, ISSR and RAPD markers

Abstract: White jute (Corchorus capsularis) and dark jute (Corchorus olitorius) are two important cultivated crops that are used for natural fibre production. Some genetic maps have been developed for dark jute, but the genetic map information for white jute (C. capsularis) is limited. In this study, a linkage map comprising 44 sequence-related amplified polymorphisms (SRAPs), 57 intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and 18 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) covering 2185.7 cM with a mean density of 18.7 cM per locus was constructed in an F2 population consisting of 185 individuals derived from a cross between two diverse genotypes of ‘Xinxuan No. 1’ and ‘Qiongyueqing’ in white jute. These markers were evenly distributed in the linkage groups without any clustering. This genetic linkage map construction will facilitate the mapping of agronomic traits and marker-assisted selection breeding in white jute.

Effect of fertilizer treatments on jute (Chorchorus olitorius), microbial dynamics in its rhizosphere and residual fertility status of soil

Abstract: The effect of various fertilizer treatments on jute (Corchorus olitorius) and their residual effect on soil fertility along with the microbial dynamics in jute rhizosphere were studied during 2008-11. Application of recommended dose of fertilizer (100 % NPK) was sufficient for jute fibre yield while nutrient uptake was significantly higher with 150% NPK but at par only with 100% NPK + 10 tonnes FYM/ha when N and P are considered. The population of beneficial microbes and enzymatic activities, viz. dehydrogenase, urease, fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity, acid and alkaline phosphatase in jute rhizosphere after 60 days of sowing were significantly higher with 100% NPK + 10 tonnes FYM/ha over all treatments including 100 and 150% NPK. The soil microbial biomass carbon and basal soil respiration rate in jute rhizosphere followed the same trend as that of enzyme activities. There was build up of residual soil fertility after three years in all the treatments except control and 50% NPK compared to initial status and the application of 100% NPK with 10 tonnes FYM/ha helped in higher residual status of organic carbon, available N, P and K in soil. Integration of recommended dose of fertilizer with 10 tonnes FYM/ha proved to be the best possible option for sustainable jute fibre production and maintenance of soil microbial health and fertility status.

Determination of the Anti-nutrient Composition of Ocimum gratissimum, Corchorus olitorius, Murraya koenigii Spreng and Cucurbita maxima

Abstract: The present study investigates the anti-nutrient composition of Ocimum gratissimum, Corchorus olitorius, Murraya koenigii Spreng and Cucurbita maxima following standard methods. Anti-nutritional factors are chemical substances which act to reduce nutrient intake, digestion, absorption and utilization of nutrients which may accumulate in the body to toxic level if the diet is not varied. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenols in the plant leaves using methanol, ethanol, and petroleum ether as extraction solvents except for saponins in which water was used as the extraction solvent. The differences in mean values were statistically significant at p < 0.05. The highest level of anti-nutrients were found in the following order: flavonoids (7.20 ± 0.15 %) in Cucurbita maxima; cardiac glycosides (13.01±0.03 %) in Ocimum gratissimum; alkaloids (8.82 ± 0.08 %) in Ocimum gratissimum; phytates (0.06 ± 0.00 %) in Corchorus olitorius; haemaglutinins (1.06 ± 0.00 mg/l) in Cucurbita maxima; saponins (9.26 ± 0.20 %) in Cucurbita maxima; tannins (1.45 ± 0.03 %) in Corchorus olitorius; oxalates (1.07 ± 0.07 %) in Murraya koenigii; and phenols (0.68 ± 0.02 mg/l) in Corchorus olitorius. However, the level of anti-nutrients in these plant leaves falls within safe level but should be consumed with care to prevent over-accumulation.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and its attributing traits in tossa jute (corchorus olitorius l.)

Abstract: The genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient and path analysis were estimated for yield and its attributing traits in thirty genotypes of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.). The analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. The highest genotypic variance was for plant height (680.97) followed by green weight (123.59), stick weight (49.33), days to 50% flowering (12.05), fibre weight (1.31), base diameter (0.02) and the lowest genotypic variance was that of bark thickness (0.03). High values of heritability(>90%) were recorded for almost all characters like plant height (93.01%), bark thickness(98.33%), base diameter(94.82%), green weight (91.64%), stick weight (99.20%) and fibre weight ( 96.48%). The high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance over percentage of mean was observed in bark thickness (98.33%, 38.86), stick weight (99.20%, 56.87) and fibre weight (96.48%, 25.02) which indicate preponderance of additive genetic action. Therefore, effective selection would be made considering the stick weight, bark thickness, green weight, plant height and base diameter per plant to produce jute varieties with acceptable yield.

Topical application of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract ameliorates atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Abstract: Background: Corchorus olitorius leaves are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and mucilaginous polysaccharides, and have been used as traditional folk medicine. In a previous study,

Bio-efficacy of phytoextracts and oil cakes on Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) causing stem rot disease of jute, Corchorus spp.

Abstract: In the present study efforts were made to explore the efficacy of various plant extracts and oil cakes against Macrophomina phaseolina. The efficacy of eight different plant species, Zingiber officianale, Aloe indica, Lawsonia inermis, Chenopodium album, Allium cepa, Piper betel, Murraya koenigii, Parthenium hysterophorus aqueous extracts including oil cakes of mustard and neem were evaluated by using of poisoned food technique in vitro for their inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of M. phaseolina causing stem rot of jute (Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis). The rhizome extract of Z. officinale produced maximum growth inhibition (74.59%) of the pathogen followed by leaf extracts of A. indica (63.57%), and leaf extract of L. inermis (60.17%) at the concentration of 10%. The maximum mycelial growth inhibition (52.40%) was recorded with neem cake (Azadirachta indica) at the concentrations of 20% followed by 42.61% and 29.60% with concentration of 15% and 10%, respectively. However, maximum mycelial growth inhibition (19.42%) was recorded with mustard cake (Brassica juncea) at the concentration of 20% followed by 16.64% and 12.20% at the concentration of 15% and 10% respectively. In general mycelial growth inhibition was dose dependent and it was maximum in case of neem cake than mustard cake. The present study revealed that, these plant extracts and oilcake extracts could be exploited for the possible control of deadly pathogen M. phaseolina. Accordingly, this is an important proactive measure in preventing the spread of the stem rot disease through a more ecofriendly approach.

First Report of Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) Naturally Occurring on Jute (Corchorus olitorius) in India.

Abstract: Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important bast fiber crop that is mainly grown in the Southeast Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and a few South American countries. In June 2013, symptoms suggestive of a viral disease were noticed on jute (cv. JRO524) in an experimental field of the CRIJAF research farm, Barrackpore, India, and the incidence of the disease was less than 2%. The infected plants showed stunted growth and short height. Mostly the upper leaves elongated with curling and coiling of lamina. Puckering and shoe string effect were also noticed. Petioles and stipules of the affected leaves were exceptionally longer. Although initially the incidence was low, it may spread to larger areas in subsequent years. Because the jute fiber is extracted from the stem, stunted growth and short height would badly affect the fiber yield and quality. Ten symptomatic and ten asymptomatic healthy looking samples were collected from the field. Corchorus golden m...

Effect of Hot Air Drying Variables on Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity of Jew's Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) Leaves

Abstract: Jew's mallow (Corchorus olitarius L.) is an important vegetable in Egypt. Fresh or dried Jew's mallow leaveshave a wide use and is great demand for domestic as well as export markets. The effects of hot air drying variablesincluding: air temperature (50, 60 and 70 oC), air velocity (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 m/ s) and trays load (125 – 500 g/ 0.22 m2)on the antioxidant capacity and some phytochemicals content of Jew's mallow leaves were studied. The fresh Jew'smallow leaves exhibited high antioxidant activity (52.29% and 139.55 μmol trolox/ g dry weight, measured by DPPHand ABTS assays, respectively). The leaves had high contents of chlorophyll a and b (649.4 and 317.4 mg/ 100 g), totalphenolics (16.54 mg GAE/ g) and total flavonoids (117.88 mg quercetin equivalent/ g). Drying process resulted indrastic decreases in all studied properties except the β-carotene content. Antioxidant activity and phytochemicalscompounds contents decreased as air drying temperature and velocity decreased, relating to long drying times. Dryingat 60 oC and air velocity 0.6 m/ s had the lowest negative effect on the leaves antioxidant activity. Leaves dried at thehighest trays load (500 g/ 0.22 m2) also, showed the highest antioxidant activity and phytochemicals contents.

Microflora diversity on the phyloplane of wild Okra ( Corchorus olitorius L. Jute )

Abstract: Indigenous people especially in southern Nigeria use Corchorus olitorius L . (Jute) as a staple vegetable. Population dynamics, richness and frequency of occurrence of microflora isolates on healthy green leaves of wild okra were estimated within two weeks at weekly intervals using the dilution technique. This study was conducted in the University of Benin intend to show the diversity of microorganisms on the leaves of wild okra. The leaves were categorized based on their period of harvest into old, new and middle with a week interval between each harvest. After serial dilution in distilled water, isolation was done using nutrient agar for bacteria and potato dextrose agar for fungi. After incubation colony forming units per millimeter were counted, isolated, identified and characterized using standard microbiological techniques. The fungal diversity and frequency of occurrence were higher in the first sampling (61.50% and 62.07% respectively) than those of the second sampling (38.50% and 37.93%). Total viable microbial population in the second sampling after two weeks was higher (11.23 X 102cfu/ml) than in the first sampling after one week (10.00 X 102cfu/ml). The total cumulative bacterial count was higher (15.69X 102cfu/ml) than those of fungi (55.40 X 102 cfu/ml) during the studies. Bacterial genera isolated included; Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Serratia and Proteus . Rhodotorula, Mucor, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Helminthosporium were the genera of fungi isolated. Further studies could help to elucidate major players in wild okra phylloplane ecology. Keywords : Wild Okra ( Corchorus olitorius ), Phylloplane, Microflora population, Bacteria, Fungi

Stability Analysis of a High Fibre Yield and Low Lignin Content “Thick Stem” Mutant in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Abstract: A “thick stem” mutant of Corchorus olitorius L. was induced at M2 (0.50%, 4 h, EMS) and the true breeding mutant is assessed across generations (M5 to M7) considering morphometric traits as well as SEM analysis of pollen grains and raw jute fibres, stem anatomy, cytogenetical attributes, and lignin content in relation to control. Furthermore, single fibre diameter and tensile strength are also analysed. The objective is to assess the stability of mutant for its effective exploration for raising a new plant type in tossa jute for commercial exploitation and efficient breeding. The mutant trait is monogenic recessive to normal. Results indicate that “thick stem” mutant is stable across generations () with distinctive high seed and fibre yield and significantly low lignin content. Stem anatomy of the mutant shows significant enhancement in fibre zone, number of fibre pyramids and fibre bundles per pyramid, and diameter of fibre cell in relation to control. Moreover, tensile strength of mutant fibre is significantly higher than control fibre and the trait is inversely related to fibre diameter. However the mutant is associated with low germination frequency, poor seed viability, and high pollen sterility, which may be eliminated through mutational approach followed by rigorous selection and efficient breeding.

Breeding for nutritional quality for Corchorus olitorius, Annona muricata and Pentaclethra macrophylla 1: A study of their antinutritional contents

Abstract: Breeding for nutritional quality of food/feed crops had somewhat been neglected by plant breeders all through the years. The objectives had mainly been focused on disease resistance and yield. Current concerns about the global food security need to encompass the issue of breeding for nutritional quality of food plants. One of the issues that revolve around the nutritional quality is the presence of antinutrients. These substances reduce the bioavailability of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals which could result in malnutrition especially in developing countries. Designing breeding programmes for the enhancement of nutritional quality of food crops require information on the types and concentrations of these antinutrients in such crops. This study was thus initiated to obtain information on the concentrations of the antinutrients - cyanogenic glycosides, oxalates, phytic acids, tannins and alkaloids - of Annona muricata (a fruit), Corchorus olitorius (a vegetable/grain crop) and Pentaclethra macrophylla (a legume) which are common among the local people of South East of Nigeria. Results showed that mean contents of oxalate, phytic acid, tannins and alkaloids were within permissible limits while high contents of cyanogenic glycosides were observed in C. olitorius (0.551 ± 0.0165 mg/100 g) and P. macrophylla. Fermentation did not reduce the level in P. macrophylla. The values obtained in unfermented and fermented seeds were 0.577 ± 0.0004 mg/100 g and 0.575 ± 0.003 mg/100 g respectively. The results were discussed bearing in mind the need for plant breeders and nutritionists to design programmes that will balance the adverse and beneficial effects of these antinutrients since many of them have also been found to be pharmacologically beneficial. Key words: Antinutritional, contents, breeding, quality.

First Report of a 16SrV-C Phytoplasma Causing Little Leaf and Bunchy Top of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius) in India

Abstract: Jute is the most important phloem fiber crop of the world, and is mainly grown in the South East Asian countries of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar, and few South American countries. The fiber is used in making sacks, ropes, bags, carpets, shoes, geo-textiles, and home decorations. There are two kinds of jute: tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) and white jute (C. capsularis). In June 2012, symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection (little leaf and bunchy top) were noticed on tossa jute in different experimental fields of the CRIJAF research farm, Barrackpore, India, and the incidence of the disease varied from 5 to 20%. The infected plants showed profuse lateral branching with a bushy appearance. In many plants, branching at the apical portion developed a bunchy top symptom with tufts of smaller leaves. Leafy stem was also common in many plants with main stems covered with numerous little leaves. Total DNA was extracted from leaf midveins of 15 symptomatic and 5 asymp...

Carotenoids content of Corchorus olitorius and Solanum macrocarpon - commonly used Ghanaian vegetables

Abstract: Green leafy vegetables are rich in carotenoids. The study investigated the effect of duration of storage and cooking time on the carotenoids in Corchorus olitorius and Solanum macrocarpon, locally known as ‘adeimey’ and ‘gboma’ respectively. The storage conditions were: overnight at room temperature (25°C), refrigeration for one day and a week, and cooking at 100 o C for thirty minutes. The three individual carotenoids and total carotenoid content (TCC) were quantified using HPLC and by measuring absorbance at 450 nm, respectively. The TCC varied from 17.1 mg/100 g to 670.2 mg/100 g. The β-carotene content ranged from 7.5 mg/100 g to 196.3 mg/100 g while lutein ranged from 1.4 mg/100 g to 112.8 mg/100 g. The zeaxanthin content ranged from 0.7 mg/100 g to 16.3 mg/100 g. These results show that the two green leafy vegetables are good sources of carotenoids. There were variations in the concentrations of carotenoids in Solanum macrocarpon and Corchorus olitorius with the latter having a higher carotenoids content than the former. β-carotene was the most predominant carotenoid whilst zeaxanthin was the lowest in the vegetables studied. It was observed that the β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and the total carotenoid contents decreased drastically when the vegetables were left to stand overnight at room temperature, refrigerated for one day and a week and then cooked for thirty minutes. These findings suggest modification in the storage and cooking practices of these green leafy vegetables to ensure retention of the carotenoids for the best nutritional value and health benefit; hence the need for policy towards nutrition education on vegetable processing and storage.

A Comparison of Efficiency Parameters of SSR Primers and Genetic Diversity Analysis in Jute (Corchorus spp.)

Abstract: Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural bast fibre crop and has considerable commercial significance in the world after cotton, as it is a completely biodegradable, recyclable and environmental friendly lingo-cellulose fibre. For sustenance of the trade in the face of tough competition from synthetics, there is an urgent need to redesign the ongoing breeding strategy to improve both the yield and quality of jute fibre. It is therefore, essential to understand the pattern of genetic diversity in this important commercial crop species. Five Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) were amplified in 30 genotypes of both the cultivated species of jute Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis. The study was undertaken to identify the efficient SSR primers that could differentiate a set of 30 jute genotypes. Various efficiency parameters, namely: Polymorphic Information Content (PIC), Resolving Power (RP), Mean Resolving Power and Diversity Index (DI) were studied. The relationship between the parameters was studied using simple correlation coefficient. Dendrogram was constructed to find out the genetic diversity among the germplasm. These SSR markers will facilitate further studies in population genetics and utilization of this crop.

First report on the occurrence and symptomatology of phyllody disease in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) and its plant characteristics in Turkey.

Abstract: Although jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is treated as a weed in Turkey, it is cultivated and harvested for its fiber, tender shoots, and leaves in Africa and Asia. We report the occurrence and symptomatology of phyllody disease in jute observed for the first time in 2010 during our studies focusing on sesame phyllody in an experimental field at the Akdeniz University Campus, Antalya, Turkey. The disease was also observed in the following two years, 2011 and 2012. In the top of the infected jute plant, the internodes were shortened which resulted a cluster of leaves in smaller size than the normal ones, and the leaves were crinkled as well as turned to yellowing and leathery-looking. Additionally, the large leaves accumulated more anthocyanin in their margins. The floral organs abnormally developed into leafy structures; and ovaries at the symptomatic part enlarged but stamens and filaments did not show any symptoms. There was neither proliferation of the branches nor needle-like shape of the leaves in our case. Jute and sesame seeds started germination synchronously, and looked similar at the cotyledonary stage. Wild plants or weeds deserve a particular attention for disease development or inoculum build-up in cultivated crops. Considering the voluntary nature, jute may be an alternative for biofuel production. Also, the similarity in developmental stages of jute and sesame suggests that they might be affected by the same phytoplasma. To verify this, molecular analyses have been started

New Plant Type Mutants in Jute ( corchorus Olitorius L. )

Abstract: Three macromutants namely, 'pigmented stem', 'viridis' and 'lax branching', of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. - JRO 524; commercial fibre yielding crop) were induced at M2 following gamma irradiations and EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) treatments. The true breeding mutants (selfed seeds of a single phenotypically stable plant forwarded in each generation from M4) are assessed considering different attributes like germination, survivability, meiotic chromosome behavior, pollen fertility and viability and quantitative traits across the generations (M5, M6 and M7) in relation to control under a uniform field condition(s). Further, genetic variations between/among the mutants and between mutant(s) and control is also analyzed from seed protein (SDS-PAGE - sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), RAPD (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeat) profiles. Pigment profiles following TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) have been studied in 'viridis' and control. Inheritance of the mutant trait(s) has also been assessed from reciprocal crossings performed between control and mutants. Results suggest that the mutants are true breeding, stable and significant and may enrich genetic resources in the species.

Genetic variability assessment of accessions of Corchorus olitorius L. using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract: Corchorus olitorius is one of the neglected indigenous leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Majority of the accessions of this species stored at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria, have only been characterized morphologically. To provide further information on the extent of genetic diversity, this study was initiated to assess the genetic variabilities among 14 accessions of the species using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Seven polypeptide bands were obtained ranging from 9.73 to 88.79 KDa thus depicting variations in the banding patterns of the accessions. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean algorithm (UPGMA) dendrogram grouped the 14 accessions into two clusters and five groups with 50% of the accessions in one group. Accession 3 which was obtained from Lagos state was observed to be a very distant relative of the other accessions and so could be combined in a breeding programme with any of the others. Keywords: Genetic, variability, Corchorus olitorius, accessions African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(19), 2004-2009

Morpho-anatomical and SSR diversity in mutant gene pool of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Abstract: Characterization of induced mutants is gaining importance for increasing efficiency of mutation assisted plant breeding. In this study, phenotypic and genetic diversity of a set of 60 mutants of Corchorus olitorius (tossa jute), an important fibre yielding crop species were characterized using morphological traits related to fibre and biomass productivity, anatomical traits related to fibre distribution and development in the bark tissues of jute and simple sequence repeat (SSR) polymorphism. Morpho-anatomical diversity revealed high variability in the population, identifying mutant genotypes with superior fibre recovery and fibre anatomy traits. Ten of these mutants exhibited higher fibre recovery than a popular cultivar, JRO 204. A good number of mutants exhibited superior fibre anatomy characters like fibre wedge length, fibre wedge breadth and number of fibre cells per bundle than the cultivars. Twenty three SSR markers amplified a total of 53 alleles with polymorphism information content of 0.53. Six markers, MJM 006, MJM 432, MJM 489, MJM 566, MJM 569 and MJM 618 exhibited high resolving power (= 0.5). SSR marker based cluster analysis identified more genetic groups than morphogenetic classification, but association between genetic and phenotypic classification was low. For selection of parents for mutation assisted genetic improvement in jute, judicious use of both diversity measures for selection of parents would be more useful.

Fermented lemon fruit and vegetable juice

Abstract: The invention discloses fermented lemon fruit and vegetable juice which is prepared from the following ingredients in parts by weight: 400-500 parts of lemon, 200-300 parts of fruit, 200-300 parts of vegetable, 10-15 parts of brown sugar, 10-15 parts of honey and 20-30 parts of rose, wherein the fruits comprise pineapples, mangos, dragon fruits, Chinese chestnuts and plums, which are mixed in an equal proportion; the vegetables comprise pawpaw, bamboo shoots, bitter gourds, corchorus olitorius and okra, which are mixed in an equal proportion. The fermented lemon fruit and vegetable juice has the characteristics of being rich in nutrition and delicious in taste and can relieve thirst, restore energy, enhance human immunity, strengthen physique of people and keep fit and live long.

Preliminary assessment of the microanatomy of okra (Abelmoshcus (L.)) Wood

Abstract: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevel) belongs to the family Malvaceae. They are grown in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical countries where they provide income and food security. Three accessions of the two species of Okra were collected from the Nigerian Institute of Horticulture (NIHORT), Ibadan and cultivated in the University of Benin, Nigeria. The examination of sections obtained at the seventh node of each sample of Abelmoschus esculentus (Samples A and B) and Abelmoschus caillei (Sample C) was conducted at Forest Research Institute (FRIN), Ibadan. Results from the microanatomy analysis reveal average length of fibre for Sample A, B and C are 1118.5-1376.4 µm, 1376.4-1142.0-1131.0 µm and 1325-1363 µm respectively while average fiber diameter for Sample A, B and C are 28.8-31.0 µm, 22.3-27.7 µm and 24.3-24.9 µm respectively. The lumen diameter was 15.4-17.9 µm, 12.3-16.6 µm and 12.8-14.9 µm respectively for Sample A, B and C while 6.6-6.7 µm, 4.9-5.3 µm and 5.1-6.1 µm are the values obtained for cell wall thickness of sample A, B and C respectively. These values are comparable to those for flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.), jute (Corchorus capsularis L. and Corchorus olitorius L.), kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), sisal (Agave sisalana Perr.). Thus, it can be suggested that the fibre dimension indicates possible usefulness of these Okra species as alternative source of raw materials for several industrial process.

Growth and yield response of selected species of African leafy vegetables infested with root knot nematodes (meloidogyne incognita)

Abstract: African indigenous leafy vegetables (AILVs) are an important commodity in the diet of many African communities. Most of the vegetables are grown by low-income small holder farmers and thus, play a crucial role in food security and in improving the nutritional status of poor families. However, root knot nematodes are a major hindrance to production with yield losses of 80 to 100 percent being recorded on some of the vegetables depending on susceptibility and inocula levels in the soil. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of root knot nematodes on the growth and yield of popular AILVs. A greenhouse experiment was conducted twice, where AILVs namely spider plant (Cleome gynandra), amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus), African night shade (Solanum nigrum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea) were tested. The seeds for each vegetable were planted in six pots out of which three of the pots were infested with 2000 second stage juveniles of root knot nematodes and data on plant height, fresh and dry shoot weight, galling index, egg mass index and the second stage juvenile count was recorded and analyzed. The experiment was terminated at 60 days after planting. Fresh shoot weight was significantly (P≤0.05) different among the different AILVs which were infected by the root knot nematode. The highest fresh shoot weight reduction was recorded in cowpeas (26.2%), African night shade (21.9%) and jute mallow (19.3%) lower in inoculated compared to the non- inoculated plants. The lowest fresh shoot weight reduction was recorded in spider plant (5.3%), sun hemp (5.2%) and Amaranths (6.7%) compared to the non-inoculated plants. On a scale of 1-10, where 1 = resistant and 10 = most susceptible, galling index was 1.7 in amaranths and 7.0 in the African night shade. Spider plant, sun hemp and amaranths had galling indices of 3, 2 and 1.7 respectively and were rated as resistant while jute mallow, cow pea and African night shade had galling indices of 6.7, 6.3 and 7 respectively and were rated as susceptible. The identified resistant varieties can be used as intercrops/rotation crops in agricultural production systems as a component of root knot nematode suppression in the soil.

Influence of organic wastes amendment on growth and foliar yield of jute mallow Corchorus olitorius (linn.) In South Western Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigated the growth and foliar yield responses of jute mallow ( Corchorus olitorius Linn.) on soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk agro-waste. Slightly acidic (pH=6.20) sandy loam soil were collected and incubated for six and twelve weeks respectively for the study, with agro-wastes [coconut husk ash (CHA), coconut husk unashed (CHU), corn cob ash (CCA) and corn cob unashed (CCU)] under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design was adopted with three replicates. The results showed that the corn cob ash and coconut husk ash positively enhanced soil chemical properties than their unashed version. At 2 WAP, the mean plant height ranged from 2.70 ± 0.12 cm to 3.88 ± 0.12 cm; the mean total leaf count from 3.60 ± 0.05 to 4.0 ± 0.05 and mean leaf area from 0.54 ± 0.21 cm2 to 2.48 ± 0.21 cm2 and at 8 WAP, the mean stem girth ranged from 0.43 ± 0.07 cm to 1.02 ± 0.07 cm for C. olitorius planted in soils incubated for six weeks with agro-wastes. This trend increased with the age of C. olitorius and with increase in agro-waste applications in the order CCA>CHA>CHU>CCU. These growth parameters, except the plant height were of higher values in 6 weeks soil incubation than 12 weeks soil incubation. The highest mean yield (17.93 g/pot) of C. olitorius was obtained in soil pots amended for 12 weeks with 5 t/ha of CHU. The increase growth and foliage yield obtained in this study showed that soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk waste have the potential of promoting the production of vegetables, especially C. olitoriu s and also ensuring environmental sustainability. Key Words : Agro-waste, Amended soil, Coconut hust, Corn cob, Corchorus olitorius, Greenhouse, Vegetable

Concentrated jute and mesta leaf manuares: its role on summer radish production and its comparative performance with mustard oil cake

Abstract: The annual production potential of leaf manures from jute (Corchorus olitorius) and mesta (Hibiscus spp.) in India is around 8 lakh tons. Jute leaf manure (3.35% N, 1.65% P 2 O 5 and 0.93% K 2 O) and mesta leaf manure (2.87% N, 1.73% P 2 O 5 and 0.78% K 2 O) produced 161 and 162 quintal summer radish/ha, respectively when 50% nitrogen requirement of radish crop (Raphanus sativus) was supplemented through this sources. When 50% nitrogen was supplemented through mustard oil cake (4.5% N, 2.0% P 2 O 5 and 1.5% K 2 O), the radish yield was 162 q/ha. Hence it can be utilized concentrated manures for vegetable field, like mustard oil cake, which is a costly proposition at present. 100% nitrogen through jute leaf manure and no other chemical fertilizer produced 122 q summer radish/ha (fertilizer free). 100% nitrogen supplementation through urea produced 191 q summer radish/ha. The productivity of radish without chemical fertilizer was reduced by almost 36% which is usual like other organic products proven over years round the globe. These non conventional concentrated leaf manure are alternative to mustard oil cakes and can be utilized in high value organic vegetable production.

Determination of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius)

Abstract: Knowledge of evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient is useful for irrigation water management to crops. Determination of crop water requirement requires measurement of crop ET (ETc), which is a critical component of water balance at any scale. In this study, readily available pan evaporation data were used to estimate the ET0 for hot and humid region of West Bengal considering the factor of pan coefficient (Kp) depending on fetch, wind speed, and relative humidity. The estimation of ETc for tossa jute crop was carried out by using soil moisture depletion method. The ratio of ETc to ET0, called the crop coefficient (Kc), was calculated on weekly basis for irrigation scheduling of jute in a hot and humid region of West Bengal.

Nucleotide Sequence Encoding Wuschel-Related Homeobox4 (WOX4) Protein From Corchorus Olitorius and Corchorus Capsularis and Methods of Use For Same

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated polynucleotides encoding WUSCHEL-related homeobox4 proteins from two species of jute plants, namely, the Corchorus olitorius ("C. olitorius") and Corchorus capsularis ("C. capsularis") , and corresponding polypeptides derived therefrom. The disclosed polynucleotide sequences encode WUSCHEL-related homeobox4 polypeptides (WOX4), which possess catalytic activities in enhancing fiber production in jute. The present invention also relates to the plants having a modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a WOX4 polypeptide, which have enhanced fiber yield relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. Vectors, expression constructs and host cells comprising and/or consisting of the nucleotide sequences of the protein are also provided. Also disclosed are methods for producing the proteins and methods for modifying the proteins in order to improve their desirable characteristics. The proteins of the invention can be used in a variety of ways, including inducing, initiating, improving, or enhancing plant growth, plant height, fiber and seed yield.