Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part B (2025)

The present investigation entitled “Phenology, Growth, Fibre Yield and Quality Studies in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)” was undertaken during kharif 2024 at the Cotton Improvement Project, MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra. Seven genotypes of tossa jute (JRO 204, BROJ-6, JROBA-10, RHRJ-6, NJ-75, JROR-1 and JRO 524) were evaluated under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Phenological stages were recorded using the BBCH scale, while growth parameters (plant height, basal diameter, leaf number, leaf area index), fibre yield, and quality traits were studied. Fibre quality was further analyzed at ICAR-NINFET, Kolkata. Significant genotypic variation was observed for all phenological and biometric traits. Early-maturing genotype BROJ-6 reached germination, leaf emergence, stem elongation, flowering, and maturity stages much earlier, but was associated with lower biomass accumulation and fibre yield. In contrast, late-maturing genotypes such as NJ-75, JROBA-10, and JROR-1 exhibited prolonged vegetative growth, taller plant stature, thicker basal stem diameter, higher leaf number, and larger assimilatory surface area. These attributes translated into superior fibre yield and enhanced fibre quality. Plant height, stem girth, leaf traits, and leaf area were found to be positively correlated with fibre yield, supporting the critical role of vegetative vigour in fibre productivity. The study highlights that phenological behaviour strongly governs growth parameters and fibre development in tossa jute, with the BBCH scale providing a reliable tool for standardized phenological assessment. From a practical perspective, late-maturing, vigorous genotypes (NJ-75, JROBA-10, JROR-1) are promising candidates for breeding programs and high-input cultivation strategies, particularly under the sub-montane conditions of Maharashtra, whereas early types may offer advantages in short-season or waterlogging-prone environments.Overall, the findings emphasize the integration of phenology, growth dynamics, and fibre quality assessment in jute improvement and management, enabling the development of high-yielding, quality-enhancing, and climate-resilient jute cultivation strategies.