Development of early flowering, short life-spanned jute (Corchorus spp.) mutant via ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis

Abstract

Polyethene is a global environmental threat, whereas jute (Corchorus spp.) fiber is biodegradable, eco-friendly and can be used as a substitute for polyethene. Jute is a short-day plant and cultivated in March to July in Indian subcontinent for bast fiber production. This season-bound cultivation nature hampers continuous supply of bast fiber in the industry. In addition, its long cultivation period creates difficulties to accommodate other high-value crops. To address these issues, a short life span (early flowering) jute genotype is extremely felt in jute growing areas of the world. But, unfortunately such variety has not been developed yet through both conventional and biotechnological approach. Accordingly, we adopted chemical mutagenesis by establishing LD50 (Lethal Dose) of EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulfonate) at 150 mM with 4h’ incubation for Capsularis jute seed. A novel mutant was found named—Komola, which showed a shorter lifespan than its ancestor by flowering at 70 days instead of 120 days. In addition, the mutant's stem and petiole was coppery-red instead of green. Molecular analysis revealed four SNPs in PMIR1 (Plastid Movement Impaired 1 Related 1) and two clade deletions in ELF3 (Early Flowering 3) genes from stable M4 generation. Histochemical and biochemical analyses explained this genotype’s lower content of lignin. This mutant could be used as future breeding material for the development of year-round cultivable jute genotype along with offer up accommodation of other high-value agricultural crops in cropping pattern with a good source of year-round supply of bast fiber to the industry.