The genetic diversity of leaf vegetable jute mallow (Corchorus spp.): A review

Corchorus spp. is among traditional vegetable which is very nutritious and has been in use in many households in Africa. It contains high level of carotenoids (150µg/100g), vitamin C, Iron (190µg/g), 1.3% Calcium and 25.0% protein. The leaves are used in treatment of diseases and have wide antibacterial properties. It is semidomesticated and sometimes grows as a volunteer crop. Its status in some parts of Tanzania as a wild plant renders it unappealing for consideration in crop development programs.There is limited scientific information on its diversity for use as a vegetable in crop improvement and is a potential area for research. Variations exist among different accessions based on leaf shapes and color. Diversity studies by using molecular markers, proteins and isozymes are reported by several authors. There is low variation within species and high among species. Most of released varieties have a narrow genetic base. Conservation of this species in Africa is scarcely reported.