Nitrate reduction activity of white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) in relation to fibre yield

Two experiments were conducted, one in pot culture and the other in field conditions, in 1999 and 2000, respectively with four varieties of white Jute, viz. D-154, Atompat 38, C-278 and CVL-1 to evaluate their nitrate assimilation pattern and potentials, and to find out their relationship with growth and fibre yield. Results indicated that nitrate reductase is maximally induced 72 hours after nitrate addition and maximal potential is expressed at early stage of growth with two peaks of nitrate reductase activity. Two mutants, Atompat 38 and C-278, recorded higher nitrate reductase activity than their mothers (D-154, CVL-1). Results also indicated that TDM did not vary, but leaf area varied among varieties with different N doses indicating that photoharvesting surface of jute could be manipulated by N-treatments. Fibre yield and TDM increased due to higher dose of N and 60 kg N/ha gave higher harvest index. It indicated that 60 kg N/ha altered the mobilization pattern of assimilates for the synthesis of bast fibre rather than wood fibre and may be considered as a dose suitable for the jute varieties.