Jute gene tweak boost yields and fiber quality

In Bangladesh, researchers at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute have developed a new variety of jute that creates a thinner, strong fiber and has 20% higher yield potential.

The announcement comes eight years after BJRI researchers decoded the jute genome. Dubbed BJRI Tossa-8 or Robi-1, the breakthrough came by enhancing expression of a gene responsible for jute’s fiber formation.

The new jute also can be planted earlier to work around rice-growing season.  “One of the other great features is, the new jute variety can be planted far in advance, compared to other Tossa varieties and thereby, jute growers would not miss out on the prime Aman rice season,” BJRI Director General, Dr.  Md Monjurul Alam, tells Dhaka Tribune. Jute is the second largest fiber crop after cotton.