BJRI Mesta 4: A newly released improved vegetable Mesta variety of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Abstract

Vegetable mesta, also known as roselle, is a common species in many countries for confectioneries and a good source of nutrients and antioxidants. BJRI Mesta 4 is a nutrient-rich, climate-smart and widely adaptable vegetable Mesta cultivar that was developed by the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and released by the National Seed Board (NSB) in 2022. To explore the superiority of the new variety, a study was conducted on yield and yield components using multivariate analysis over two planting seasons compared with the well-known variety BJRI Mesta 2. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01 or 0.05) were recorded among the qualitative and quantitative traits. It also possesses in Multi-location Trials during 2018 and 2019, the average yield of leaf, fruit and calyx of BJRI Mesta 4 was found 7.25%, 11.51% and 10.49% higher in BJRI regional stations respectively compared to the check variety. Plant height, branches per plant, fruit yield and leaf yield were taken into consideration during selection to create vegetable mesta types with appropriate yield. However, based on yield capacity, adaptability and nutraceutical properties, the newly released cultivar BJRI Mesta 4 can be recommended and promoted to the herbal food product industry in addition to being a substitute for leafy vegetables. With these views kept in mind, the study that has been conducted now may help in creating trustworthy selection criteria for programs to improve vegetable mesta breeding in the future.