BJRI Mesta 4: A Newly Released Improved Vegetable Mesta Variety of Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.

Abstract

Vegetable mesta, or 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 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. In multi-location Trials during 2018 and 2019, the average yield of leaf, fruit, and calyx of BJRI Mesta 4 was found to be 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 considered when selecting vegetable mesta types with appropriate yields. 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 conducted now may help create trustworthy selection criteria for programs to improve vegetable mesta breeding in the future.