Corchorus capsularis L.
Corchorus capsularis L. is commonly known as jute, white jute, and tossa jute, among others. It is a versatile and important plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. The plant has a long history of cultivation and is widely used for various industrial and household purposes.
Origin
Jute is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and Bangladesh. It is mainly grown in tropical regions and is the second most important fibre crop after cotton. Bangladesh and India are the largest producers of jute in the world, followed by China and Thailand.
General Appearance
Corchorus capsularis L. is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 3-4 meters in height. The plant has a single stem with many branches and is covered with coarse hairs. The leaves are alternate and lanceolate with serrated edges. The flowers are yellow and are borne in clusters at the top of the plant, which develop into brown capsules containing the jute fibers.
Uses
Jute fibers are extracted from the stem of the plant, which are then processed to produce various jute products. The fibers are strong, durable, and have high tensile strength, which makes them suitable for various industrial applications. Jute is used to make bags, ropes, mats, carpets, and other household items. It is also used as a source of food and medicine. The leaves and seeds of the plant have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments, such as fever, dysentery, and diarrhea.
In conclusion, Corchorus capsularis L. is a versatile and important plant that has been cultivated for centuries. Its durable fibers are widely used in various industrial and household applications, making it an essential crop in many countries. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments.
Light Conditions:
Corchorus capsularis L. is a sun-loving plant that requires plenty of light to thrive and grow. It grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure, however, it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. If grown indoors, make sure to place the plant near a window that receives ample direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for Corchorus capsularis L. growth is between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. As the plant is susceptible to frost damage, it should be grown in warmer climates. When cultivating jute plants in colder climates, it is best to start them in greenhouses, indoors or in pots where they can be sheltered from the cold weather.
Soil Requirements:
Corchorus capsularis L. is adaptable to a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained. The ideal pH level for growth is between 6.0 to 6.8, and the soil type can range from sandy to loamy. However, it is vital to ensure that the soil is fertile. Soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure can ensure optimal nutrient uptake and promote healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
The cultivation of Corchorus capsularis L. is mainly done in warm regions with good rainfall and fertile soil. The plant requires full sunlight exposure for its proper growth and development. The ideal time to plant is in the early spring season as the temperature rises. This gives enough time for the plant to establish itself before the rainy season begins.
Watering Needs
The plant requires sufficient moisture for its growth and development. It is important to water the plant regularly during the dry season, especially when rainfall is inadequate. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, and therefore, overwatering should be avoided. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to prevent water evaporation and to allow for maximum absorption by the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires essential nutrients for its proper growth and development. These include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilizers can be added to the soil before planting or during the growth period. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure are recommended. Inorganic fertilizers can also be used, but caution should be taken to prevent overuse, which may cause plant damage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice to maintain the health and vigor of the plant. The plant can be pruned to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches or to shape the plant according to the desired form. Pruning can be done throughout the year, although it is best done during the dormant season. Young plants can be pinched back to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Corchorus capsularis L.
Corchorus capsularis L., also called white jute, is an important fibre crop worldwide, especially in India and Bangladesh. The plant is mainly propagated by seeds, but vegetative propagation can also be employed for certain purposes.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and effective method for establishing new Corchorus capsularis plants. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared beds during the rainy season, which varies depending on the location. The soil should have good moisture retention capacity and high fertility levels. The seeds should be sown in loose soil, 2-3 cm deep and 5-10 cm apart. After sowing, the beds should be watered regularly, at least twice a day, until germination.
The seed germination period ranges from 3 to 10 days, depending on the variety. The seedlings should be thinned out, keeping one plant per hill, during the 4th-5th week after sowing. The seedlings should be kept weed-free, and the soil should be loosened occasionally for proper root development.
During the 6th-12th weeks, the plants grow actively and attain a height of 60-90 cm. At this stage, they start flowering, and fruit development follows. The fruits mature in 50-60 days from the onset of flowering, and harvesting should be done carefully to avoid damage to the delicate fibres.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Corchorus capsularis can be done through stem cuttings and layering. Stem cuttings of 15-20 cm length and 5-7 mm diameter should be taken from mature plants during the mid-growing season. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted 2-3 cm deep in a well-prepared bed with good moisture levels. The cuttings should be watered twice a day until rooting occurs, which takes about 2-3 weeks. The new plants can be transplanted to the main field after 6-8 weeks.
Layering involves inducing rooting in a branch while it is still attached to the mother plant. In Corchorus capsularis, simple layering method is employed. A low growing branch is selected, and a slit is made in the bark at the base. The branch is bent downwards and buried in a shallow trench of 10-15 cm depth. The tip of the branch should be slightly above the ground level. The buried portion of the branch develops roots in about 2-3 weeks. The new plant can be detached from the mother plant and transplanted after about 6-8 weeks.
Disease Management
Corchorus capsularis L., commonly known as Jute, can be susceptible to various diseases affecting the plant's growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect jute crops include:
- Leaf Blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora capsularis, which causes small, brownish-black spots on leaves that expand and merge, leading to defoliation. It can be managed by crop rotation, avoiding high humidity conditions, and use of fungicides.
- Stem Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, which produces symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and premature dropping of leaves. This disease can be managed by proper drainage, avoiding high planting densities, and use of fungicides.
- Mosiac Disease: The disease is caused by a virus that produces yellowing, distortion, and stunting of plant growth and can be managed by planting resistant varieties and destroying infected plants.
Pest Management
Jute plants are also affected by a range of pests, which can reduce plant growth and yield. Below are some common pests that affect the jute plant:
- Jute Semilooper: The pest attacks the jute crop at the seedling stage, leading to defoliation. The pest can be managed by crop rotation, field sanitation, and use of chemical pesticides.
- Jute Aphid: This pest attacks jute plants by sucking sap, leading to wilting and stunted growth. It can be controlled by using resistant varieties, crop rotation, and biological control using beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
- Jute cutworm:The pest feeds on leaves and stem of the jute crop at the early growth stage. Infested plants should be uprooted and destroyed, and use of biological control using parasitic nematodes is also recommended.
