Showing papers on "Corchorus olitorius published in 2017"

Comparative genomics of two jute species and insight into fibre biogenesis.

Abstract: Jute (Corchorus sp.) is one of the most important sources of natural fibre, covering ∼80% of global bast fibre production1. Only Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis are commercially cultivated, though there are more than 100 Corchorus species2 in the Malvaceae family. Here we describe high-quality draft genomes of these two species and their comparisons at the functional genomics level to support tailor-designed breeding. The assemblies cover 91.6% and 82.2% of the estimated genome sizes for C. olitorius and C. capsularis, respectively. In total, 37,031 C. olitorius and 30,096 C. capsularis genes are identified, and most of the genes are validated by cDNA and RNA-seq data. Analyses of clustered gene families and gene collinearity show that jute underwent shared whole-genome duplication ∼18.66 million years (Myr) ago prior to speciation. RNA expression analysis from isolated fibre cells reveals the key regulatory and structural genes involved in fibre formation. This work expands our understanding of the molecular basis of fibre formation laying the foundation for the genetic improvement of jute. High-quality draft genomes have been generated for the two commercially cultivated jute species, Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis. Transcriptome analyses revealed key regulatory and structural genes involved in fibre formation.

Effect of processing methods on the nutritional content of three traditional vegetables leaves: Amaranth, black nightshade and jute mallow.

Abstract: The study assessed changes in nutritional content of some commonly consumed traditional vegetables subjected to postharvest processes. Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.), black nightshade (Solanum scabrum Mill.) and jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) leaves used as vegetables were subjected to blanching, boiling and drying. The proximate composition and β-carotene content of fresh and processed leaves were determined. Amaranth, black nightshade and jute mallow leaves had 25.21%, 39.74% and 29.18% of protein, respectively. The β-carotene levels were 16.40, 25.25 and 27.74 mg/100 g for black nightshade amaranth and jute mallow leaves, respectively. The ash content was 10.57% for black nightshade, 12.40% for jute mallow and 16.33% for amaranth. Processing methods caused decreases of β-carotene and crude lipid content. Boiling for 30 min or more resulted in large loss of β-carotene. Drying under shade resulted in less loss of β-carotene than drying in cabinet at 50 and 60°C.

The draft genome of Corchorus olitorius cv. JRO-524 (Navin).

Abstract: Here, we present the draft genome (377.3 Mbp) of Corchorus olitorious cv. JRO-524 (Navin), which is a leading dark jute variety developed from a cross between African (cv. Sudan Green) and indigenous (cv. JRO-632) types. We predicted from the draft genome a total of 57,087 protein-coding genes with annotated functions. We identified a large number of 1765 disease resistance-like and defense response genes in the jute genome. The annotated genes showed the highest sequence similarities with that of Theobroma cacao followed by Gossypium raimondii. Seven chromosome-scale genetically anchored pseudomolecules were constructed with a total size of 8.53 Mbp and used for synteny analyses with the cocoa and cotton genomes. Like other plant species, gypsy and copia retrotransposons were the most abundant classes of repeat elements in jute. The raw data of our study are available in SRA database of NCBI with accession number SRX1506532. The genome sequence has been deposited at DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the accession LLWS00000000, and the version described in this paper will be the first version (LLWS01000000).

Domestication of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.): ethnobotany, production constraints and phenomics of local cultivars in Ghana

Abstract: Jute mallow rich in proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids is an important leafy vegetable in Africa. Ethno-botanical knowledge on the crop in Ghana has been only incompletely documented and little is known about variation and diversity of local accessions. In order to document available ethnobotanical knowledge and investigate diversity of local accessions, 4000 farmers in twenty districts were surveyed using participatory rapid appraisal tools and techniques. 50 accessions of local germplasm were collected from these districts. Using randomized complete block design with three replications, the 50 accessions collected were characterized based on 12 quantitative and 6 qualitative traits. Results of the survey recorded several vernacular names of the crop and their meaning referring to the slimy nature of the leaves. Some local cultivars which were known in the past are no longer cultivated in farmers’ field suggesting genetic erosion of jute mallow in Ghana. Apart from food, respondents use jute mallow to treat fever, waist pain, stomach problems and loss of appetite indicating nutraceutical potential of the crop. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the accessions into four distinct clusters and individuals from the same geographical origin were separately classified. Quantitative traits such as leaf length, number of branches per plant, and number of leaves/plant defined the first principal component. Accessions Cagric 26, Cagric 28, Cagric 41, Cagric 08 and Cagric 01 recorded high yields. These accessions could serve as parents for breeding of improved cultivars.

De novo transcriptome sequencing of two cultivated jute species under salinity stress.

Abstract: Soil salinity, a major environmental stress, reduces agricultural productivity by restricting plant development and growth. Jute (Corchorus spp.), a commercially important bast fiber crop, includes two commercially cultivated species, Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius. We conducted high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of 24 C. capsularis and C. olitorius samples under salt stress and found 127 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs); additionally, 4489 and 492 common DEGs were identified in the root and leaf tissues, respectively, of both Corchorus species. Further, 32, 196, and 11 common differentially expressed transcription factors (DTFs) were detected in the leaf, root, or both tissues, respectively. Several Gene Ontology (GO) terms were enriched in NY and YY. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed numerous DEGs in both species. Abscisic acid and cytokinin signal pathways enriched respectively about 20 DEGs in leaves and roots of both NY and YY. The Ca2+, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were also found to be related to the plant response to salt stress, as evidenced by the DEGs in the roots of both species. These results provide insight into salt stress response mechanisms in plants as well as a basis for future breeding of salt-tolerant cultivars.

Genetic Diversity in Corchorus olitorius Genotypes Using Jute SSRs

Abstract: Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important lingo-cellulosic bast fibre-crop. It provides biodegradable and environment friendly fibre next to cotton, in terms of usage, global consumption, production, and availability. Narrow genetic diversity of the crop is the major hurdle, which is a demand at priority for any crop improvement programme. In the current investigation 138 jute genotypes of C. olitorius were characterized with ten jute specific SSR markers. A total of 23 alleles were amplified with an average of 2.3 alleles per locus and the PIC value ranged from 0.13 to 0.76 with an average of 0.455. The un-weighted pair-group method with arithmetic average cluster analysis of the 138 jute genotypes depicted a dendrogram using DARWIN, which divided the genetic resource into three major clusters. The study indicated the utility of SSR primers for providing useful and high levels of polymorphism for individual plant genotypes even with a narrow genetic base. Based on cluster analysis the most divergent genotypes identified were OIJ 167 (from Indonesia), OIM 058 and OIM 059 (India), however based on the agronomic traits as maximum plant height, basal diameter and fibre weight they were OIJ 245, OIJ (153 and 161) and OIJ 040, respectively.

Morphological, Histobiochemical and Molecular Characterisation of Low Lignin Phloem Fibre ( llpf) Mutant of Dark Jute ( Corchorus olitorius L.)

Abstract: Lignin is a versatile plant metabolite challenging high-end industrial applications of several plant products including jute. Application of developmental mutant in regulation of lignification in jute may open up door for much awaited jute based diversified products. In the present study, a novel dark jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) mutant with low lignin (7.23%) in phloem fibre being compared to wild-type JRO 204 (13.7%) was identified and characterised. Unique morphological features including undulated stem, petiole and leaf vein distinguished the mutant in gamma ray irradiated mutant population. Histological and biochemical analysis revealed reduced lignification of phloem fibre cells of the plant. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated temporal transcriptional regulation of CCoAMT1 gene in the mutant. The mutant was found an extremely useful model to study phloem fibre developmental biology in the crop besides acting as a donor genetic stock for low lignin containing jute fibre in dark jute improvement programme.

Characterization of Four Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius) Landraces by Morphology and Chemistry

Abstract: Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius L., family Tillaceae) is a leafy, green, summer vegetable and medicinal plant that is a traditional dish in the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa. The plant, which contains phenolics, polysaccharides, carotenoids, minerals, sugars, proteins, and the vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, is also consumed as a folk remedy for treatment of aches, pains, and swellings. Plant leaves are used for treatment of ascites, cystitis, dysentery, dysuria, fever, gonorrhea, pectoral pains, piles, tumors, thick mucus, and female infertility. A cold infusion of molokhia is used to restore appetites and strength. The current study monitored the growth and development of four molokhia genotypes, using fresh and dry weights, plant height, leaf area, and the number of branches, leaves, internodes, and herb yield. Chlorophyll, phenolics, sugars, and tannins were extracted and measured spectrophotometrically. Fresh weight, phenolics, and rosmarinic acid were highest in the wild genotype.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of corchorus olitorius

Abstract: Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro preliminary phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorius L. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity method. Methods: Fresh jute leaves (immature, mature and senescence) were collected, air dried and the crude powder was prepared for phytochemical and antioxidant analysis. The powder was mixed with 70% methanol and the supernatant was separated. The antioxidant activity of this methanolic extract was measured on the basis of the scavenging activity of the stable 1, 1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical with slight modifications. Phytochemical analysis was performed according to standard laboratory protocol. Results: The results indicated the presence of different phytochemicals viz. glycosides, steroids, cholesterol, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, riboflavin, saponins and terpenoids. The sample also showed antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH radical. The significant antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of might be due to the presence of saponins, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids found in the preliminary phytochemical analysis. Conclusion: Present study reveals that the jute leaf possesses different phytonutrients and exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity, and therefore, may be used for therapeutic purposes.

Performance characteristics of male wistar rats fed graded levels of stored powdered Corchorus olitorius

Abstract: Background: This study was carried out to determine the growth performance of rats fed graded levels of Corchorus olitorius supplemented diet. Methods: Twenty male wistar rats weighing between 70g and 90g were purchased and randomly allocated into four treatment groups with graded levels of Corchorus olitorius ( 2.5%, 5% and 10%) while the control had no Corchorus olitorius . The feed intakes as well as weight change of the experimental rats were monitored for eight weeks . Results: The results obtained showed that the highest level of weekly feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded for animals in group fed 10% level of Corchorus olitorius supplementation when compared to other treatment groups. Similar result was observed for the weight change which can be attributed to the efficient utilization of feed consumption. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that leaves of Corchorus olitorius are palatable and highly nutritious and can improve growth performance of rats when fed for eight weeks .

Effect of Different Organic Fertilizers on the Growth Performance of Corchorus olitorius L.

Abstract: The effects of three kinds of organic fertilizers were examined on the growth performance of Corchorusolitorius L. The experiment was laid in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments. The varied concentrations of the treatments used were 1. 6 t ha -1 , 3. 2 t ha -1 , 4.8 t ha -1 and 7.2 t ha1 . The study revealed that 7.2 t ha -1 of poultry manure produced the highest growth at 8 weeks after transplanting (8WAT). Goat manure at 7.2 t ha1 had the highest number of leaves while poultry manure has the least number of leaves. Poultry manure at 7.2 t ha -1 produced the highest number of branches. This was similar to those of goat and cowdung manure treated pots. Goat manure at 7.2 t ha -1 treated pots produced the highest leaf area and stem girth. C. olitorius flowered earlier at higher concentration of poultry manure (7.2 t ha -1 ) in 26 days which was similar to goat manure treated seedlings at 3.2 t ha -1 that flowered in 29 days. The highest biomass of C. olitorius occurred mostly in goat manure treated seedlings. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, P < 0.05) showed that significant differences were observed in the leaf area of cowdung treated seeds, stem girth of goat manure, days to flowering of poultry manure and cowdung, dry root biomass of poultry and cowdung with dry shoot of cowdung. Also, significant differences were observed on the height of C. olitorius at 4WAT to 8WAT in treated pots when compared to the control experiment. It was observed that the three types of fertilizers increased the growth parameters of C. olitorius in all the parameters studied but best growth occurred in goat manure treated plants. It is suggested that all the organic fertilizers under study should be a good option in the cultivation of this vegetable as they are cheaper to procure.

Characterization of the Mucilages of Four Food Plants, Abelmoschus esculentus, Beilschmiedia mannii, Corchorus olitorius, and Irvingia gabonensis, from Côte d’lvoire

Abstract: Aims: The objective of this work is to characterize the mucilage of food plants from Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: Mucilage food plants edible parts were dried, mucilage were extracted and Physicochemical and nutritive constituent content have been evaluated. Original Research Article Assi et al.; BJI, 19(2): 1-10, 2017; Article no.BJI.33933 2 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biosciences Unit, at Felix Houphouet-Boigny University between January and December 2014. Methodology: The study was carried out on fruits of A. esculentus (okra), B. mannii (sran), I. gabonensis (kplé) and leaves of C. olitorius (kplala) collected. The mucilage of different plants has been extracted. Physicochemical and nutritive constituent content have been evaluated. Results: The mucilage contents of B. mannii, I. gabonensis, A. esculentus and C. olitorius were respectively 63.00 ± 2.69%, 56.34 ± 5.44%, 34.86 ± 5 .27% and 25.81 ± 4.13%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the mucilages have showed varying forms. Ash, pH, total polyphenols, lipids, proteins and insoluble fibers differentiated the studied mucilages to p˂0.001. The mucilages obtained are rich in minerals (ash content between 4.11 ± 0.19% and 10.71 ± 0.20%) and soluble fibers (72.86 ± 7.63% and 80.34 ± 5. 58%). These mucilages are very low in energy (36.66 ± 17.44 kcal/100 g at 50.71 ± 30.22 kcal/100 g). Conclusion: Mucilages of selected plants are rich in ash and have low energy value.

Leaf and seed yield of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) accessions under field conditions for two consecutive growing seasons

Abstract: Jute mallow is a nutritious leafy vegetable used by many people in Africa. The purpose of this study was to select accessions with high leaf yield and seed yield. We investigated seven agronomic traits that are related to leaf yield and seed yield and how they correlate with each other. The results indicated significant differences among the accessions in all traits. Leaf fresh weight ranged from 18.3 to 121.3 g/plant in accessions TOT 6747 and TOT 8532, respectively. The highest variability between the accessions was also observed in seed yield. It ranged from 1.0 g/plant in accession TOT 7980 to 35.5 g/plant in TOT 7866. Eight other accessions had a seed yield of 1.0 g/plant. Significant and positive correlations were observed between leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight (r = 0.84), leaf area (r = 0.33), and number of leaves (r = 0.40). A significant correlation was observed in seed yield and weight of pods per plant (r = 0.83). The evaluation of these agronomic traits for leaf and seed yield i...

Draft genome sequence of Grammothele lineata SDL-CO-2015-1, a jute endophyte with a potential for paclitaxel biosynthesis

Abstract: Grammothele lineata strain SDL-CO-2015-1, a basidiomycete fungus, was identified as an endophyte from a jute species, Corchorus olitorius var. 2015, and found to produce paclitaxel, a diterpenic polyoxygenated pseudoalkaloid with antitumor activity. Here, we report the draft genome sequence (42.8 Mb with 9,395 genes) of this strain.

Critical nitrogen dilution curve and nitrogen nutrition index for jute mallow (corchorus olitorius l.) in southern benin

Abstract: Indigenous crops, such as jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L) have high potential for improving nutrient efficiency and income source diversification of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa A better understanding of plant responses to nitrogen (N) is essential in shedding light on the trend towards increasing fertilizer applications for commercially grown jute mallow The aim of this study was to determine the critical N dilution curve in order to assess the N nutrition index (NNI) in jute mallow in southern Benin Above-ground dry matter (DM) and N concentration were determined weekly during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons and six N treatments of 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 or 240 kg N ha−1 were tested under irrigated conditions A critical N curve (Nc = 335 W−018), where W is the DM in Mg per ha, was plotted based on the N concentration in the whole plant The critical N concentration (Nc ) represents the minimal N concentration required to achieve maximum growth According to significant differences in DM at each sampling date, data points were divided into two groups representing either N deficient or N excess conditions All data points in the N deficient group were under the critical N curve and most data points in the N excess group were on or above the critical N curve, therefore confirming the validity of the critical N curve determined in southern Benin The NNI calculated as the ratio between the measured N concentration and predicted Nc , ranged from 055 to 130 The equation for the critical N curve and NNI determined in this study for jute mallow could potentially be used as a parameter for N application under non-deficient water conditions in southern Benin (Resume d'auteur)

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius) in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Abstract: Jute is one of the most important cash crops in the alluvial zone of West Bengal and neighbouring states. The hot and humid climate with intermittent rainfall during the jute sowing season (first fortnight of April) in alluvial plains encourage profuse weed growth (Saraswat, 1999) resulting severe weed infestation during the early crop growth phase in jute. It was also estimated that 75-80 % of fibre yield is lost due to weed infestation which is quite common in most of the jute growing situations (Sahoo and Saraswat, 1988). Therefore, weed free condition in the early stages of growth in jute always maintains higher productivity (Saraswat and Shanna, 1983). But about 35% of the total cost of production goes to weeding only if done manually (Saraswat, 1980) and thereby drastically reduce profitability. Only a few pre emergence herbicides found moderately effective to control jute weeds so far. Some recent findings showed that Quizalofop ethyl (5% EC) as post emergence application could control only the grassy weeds (Ghorai et al., 2004; Bhattacharya et al., 2004). Fenoxapropethyl also showed promise for grass weed International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 11 (2017) pp. 1118-1123 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Effects of storage methods and seasons on seed quality of jute mallow morphotypes (Corchorus olitorius) in Siaya and Kakamega Counties, Kenya

Abstract: Jute mallow is an important source of nutrients, income and traditional medicine in Kenya. It is extensively grown and consumed in Western Kenya. However, its production is constrained by lack of quality seeds due to varied farmers’ agronomic and postharvest practices. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of storage methods on seed quality of jute mallow in Western Kenya. Seeds of two morphotypes of C. olitorius (with 70% and above germination)were stored in clay pots, transparent plastic jars, brown paper bags and polythene bags at room temperature in Kakamega and Siaya Counties. Seeds were also stored in a freezer at Chepkoilel campus in Eldoret at -2 0 C. In Kakamega County, average room temperature was 23 0 C and relative humidity was 85% during the storage period of May to July 2006. In Siaya County, the average room temperature was 25 0 C and relative humidity was 80% during the same period. Between December and February 2006, the average room temperature was 26 0 C while relative humidity was 80% in Kakamega County. In Siaya County, the average temperature was 28 0 C and relative humidity 65% for the same period. Storage duration was 90 days, which is the length of time farmers in the study areas store jute mallow seeds to avoid seed dormancy. Seed viability and vigourof the seeds was determined. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Ttests using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) programme. Season of growth and storage methods influenced the seed quality. Seeds stored in clay pots, brown paper bags, plastic transparent jars and freezer had higher seed quality than those stored in polythene bags. Even though there was varied response to different storage methods, generally it was recommended that in order to obtain high quality seeds, farmers should store jute mallow seeds in clay pots or brown paper bags or plastic transparent jars or freezer. Key words: jute mallow, seed vigour, seed viability, storage methods, Corchorusolitorius

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEAVES EXTRACTS OF Corchorus olitorius L. (MOLOKHIA)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis of the leaves extracts of Corchorus olitorius. The phytochemical screening was carried on the leaves extracts of molokhia, revealed the presence of some active ingredients such as, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The ethanolic leaves extracts were also evaluated for their total phenolic, total alkaloid, total flavonoids, saponins, tannins, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), radical scavenging assay. The results of the present study showed that the ethanolic leaves extracts of molokhia, which contains high amount of phytochemical compounds exhibited the greater antioxidant activity than petroleum ether and aqueous extracts. The high scavenging property may be due to hydroxyl groups existing in the phenolic compounds. Ethanol extract contained the total phenol of 9.35 and tannins of 6.01 as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), alkaloids of 28.51 as mg of atropine equivalents (AE) and flavonoids of 13.84 as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE).

PHYSICOCHEMICAL BASIS FOR RELATIVE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TWO JUTE MALLOW MORPHOTYPES TO Acraea eponina CRAMER

Abstract: The leaves of Corchorus olitorius L. are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and mucilaginous polysaccharides and it was reported in a preliminary study that larval Acraea eponina (Cramer) showed preference for C. olitorius morphotype with serrated leaves (NC1) compared to the morphotype with smooth-edged leaves (NC2). The current study was, therefore, carried out to determine physicochemical properties of C. olitorius that mediate preference of A. eponina for NC1. The proximate and mineral analyses of leaves harvested from the two morphotypes were carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Viscosity of mucilage extracted from the leaves of the two morphotypes was also measured using a viscometer. The results of proximate composition showed that NC1 contained higher amount of crude protein (37.47%) which is essential for tissue formation and rapid growth of the immature larvae. The C. olitorius with serrated leaves also had higher levels of ash (12.59%) and moisture (95.66%) compared to NC2. A similar trend was observed in the mineral content with NC1 containing higher levels of manganese (5.15 mg/100g; needed for formation of insect cuticle), iron (15.71 mg/100g), copper (0.79 mg/100g), magnesium (38.98 mg/100g) and chromium (0.62 mg/100g). However, mucilage from the leaves of NC2 was found to be more viscous, a factor that may reduce the desirability of A. eponina for the morphotype. The results showed that NC1 has a superior nutritional quality necessary for growth and development of the larval A. eponina and this is responsible for the preference for this morphotype by foraging larvae.

Ethnobotanical and agromorphological characterizations of Corchorus olitorius l. accessions in Burkina Faso

Abstract: Corchorus olitorius is an indigenous leafy vegetable which is widely consumed in Africa and Asia. In order to investigate agronomic practices, agromorphologic diversity and ethanobotanic knowledge of producer, present study has been carried out in the four agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. During this study, total 178 accessions were collected, among these 111 accessions were characterized on the basis of 17 well identified qualitative (5) and quantitative (12) characteristics. Results of study revealed that most of the identification characteristics and terminology used for identification of C. olitorius is based on the visible phenotypic characteristics. Two most common morphotypes which was identified during the study was “ bulvank yanga” and “bulvank moaga or bulvank raogo\". All the identified 111 accessions were divided in four groups. Among these groups 1 have eighteen accessions (18) which were characterized by poor performing and late growing individuals with weak stem and leaves outputs. While groups 2 and 3 are rep resented by 33 and 42 accessions respectively these were characterized by individuals with average performance. Group 4 is made up of eighteen (18) accessions, characterized by individuals with cycle precocious semi-flowering and very high morphological performances (PEL, FWL, FWS and DIS). Most of the ethamobotanic knowledge is based on the traditional and phenotypical knowledge which they gained from their ancestors. . KEYWORDS

Effect of NPK and organo-mineral fertilizer on the growth and yield of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) in Ilorin north central Nigeria.

Abstract: The Southern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria comprises thousands of hectares of arable land which are used for the cultivation of crops such as maize, cassava, guinea corn, vegetable crops etc and the people in the zone are predominantly peasant farmers who rely on low inputs for the growing of their crops. Nevertheless, the environment is subjected to constant bush fire, which degrades the vegetative cover, predisposes the soil to direct sunlight, and depletes the organic matter content of the soil with the resultant soil erosion and subsequent low soil fertility. A study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin a Southern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria during the dry and wet seasons of 2012 to evaluate the effect of NPK fertilizer and organo-mineral fertilizer on the growth and yield of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) a local delicacy. The treatments imposed were three levels of NPK 15:15:15 at 0, 100 and 200kgha-1 and five levels of organo-mineral fertilizer at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4t/ha in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated thrice. Data were collected on growth parameters –plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, fresh weightper plantand per hectare. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for all measurements was performed using Genstat version 12 software package. The results showed that application of organo-mineral and inorganic fertilizer and their combination significantly (P<0.05) influenced the growth and yield of jute over the control. Keywords : Organo-mineral, NPK, growth, yield and Corchorus olitorius

Effect of Different Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Based Cropping Systems on Soil Quality under Farmers’ Field Condition in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain

Abstract: Jute the golden fibre is one of the important cash crops and occupies a prestigious position in the industrial and agricultural economy of India. India earns annually about 2050 corers rupees by exporting various jute products (Satpathy et al., 2014) and more than 4 International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 9 (2017) pp. 3324-3334 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com