Genetic variation for seed yield components in jute (Corchorus Spp.)

Seven varieties comprlsmg four tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L) and three white jute (Corchorus capsularis L) were evaluated for seed yield and its components viz. pod length, girth of pod, number of filled seed, 100-seed weight in 1998 and 1999. The varieties exhibited significant differences for all traits except pod girth. The variety x year interactions were not significant for pods harvested from bottom position of the branches, for number of filled seeds and 100-seed weight indicating that these three components are reliable for producing good seed yield. The number of filled seeds per pod is uniformly distributed in capsularis while in olitorius it is declined from bottom to top position of the pods on branches. However, in both species pods harvested from top position of branches had significantly lower 100-seed weight compared to bottom and middle positions of pods on branches. The high values for PCV and GCV for pod length, pod girth and number of filled seed suggest that there is a possibility of improving seed yield through direct selection for these traits. Number of filled seeds and lengths of pod were strongly correlated with seed yield in pod harvested from bottom and middle position along the branches.