Evolution of Leaf Shape in Jute

Eight radiation induced mutants of Corchorus olitorius (Tiliaceae) ssowing divergent leaf shapes similar to some leaf types of the naturally arisen variability of the Tiliaceae and the closely related families of cohort Malvales have been selected. These genotypes can be used for interpreting the evolution of leaf shape in these families. Some of the mutants selected have highly dissected leaves not found in the natural variability. Most of the mutants exhibit a pleiotropic effect; thus the altered leaf shape is combined with an alteration of branching resulting in a highly divergent habit of the plants. All these genotypes show good fertility. A very drastic (constructive) mutation has created a plant having no similarity with the species Corchorus olitorius.