Phylogeny of the genus corchorus (Malvacea S.L.) and diversity analyses in selected species. Evidence from morphology, flow cytometry, and molecular data

This dissertation focuses on the molecular systematic analysis of the genus
Corchorus (Malvaceae s.l.), investigated for the first time using nuclear rDNA ITS
sequences, and addresses diversity of selected species, which were conducted
using morphological, molecular, and flow cytometry methods.
Prior to this study, little information was available regarding the biodiversity and
potential use of jute (Corchorus species) in Ethiopian agriculture. The present study
summarizes species¿ ecological distribution, use, and ethnobotany of Corchorus
species in Ethiopia. About 13 species were recorded, ranking the country second in
the total number of species in Africa. The study revealed low similarity in species
composition between the regional states, indicating that each region has its own
unique set of species. Farmers¿ perception, indigenous knowledge and folk taxonomy
of jute species are more comprehensive in the southwest than other studied regions
of the country. Although several jute species are found in Ethiopia, they are neither
cultivated nor popularly used as leafy vegetables. This part of the dissertation
emphasizes the need for creating of public awareness of jute in Ethiopian agriculture
and recommends conservation measures for some threatened species.