Author(s): S. SHIL

Abstract: Mesta (Hibiscus spp. L.) is an important genus of bast fibre crop next to jute crop in the world. The mesta fibre can be obtained from the two species viz., roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and both of them are being cultured for bast fibre production. A total of seventh varieties (7 varieties of kenaf and 10 varieties of roselle) have been characterized based on expression of thirty seven essential morphological variability and fibre quality traits as per National DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) test guidelines. Out of thirty seven characters, five characters are monomorphic in nature, twenty characters are dimorphic and twelve characters are polymorphic in nature in the varieties of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) whereas eight characters are monomorphic in nature, twenty characters are dimorphic and nine characters are polymorphic in natureamong the varieties of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) indicating their potentiality for varietal characterization.

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