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.