Fiber Anatomy Structure: a Good Predictor for Fiber Yield and Fiber Quality in Corchorus capsularis

Prediction of fiber yield and quality are essential in jute breeding program. Plant height and basal diameter are moderately reliable indicators of fiber yield in jute, but these characters are not useful to judge fiber quality owing to the large variability of fiber contents and fiber bundle structure which is again dependent on retting condition. Fiber anatomical characters are useful indicators for judging fiber yield and quality, but are rarely used in breeding programs. A rapid method for screening white jute (Corchorus capsularis) is described and the usefulness of fiber anatomy characters for predicting fiber yield was studied in comparison to morphological characters. Results indicate that fiber anatomical characters are highly suitable for predicting fiber yield and quality.