Variability of biochemical composition within local populations of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) cropped in southern Tunisia [In French]

This work belongs to a breeding program held to improve and develop the genetic resources of tossa jute cropped in Tunisian arid regions. The main objectives of this study were (i) the comparison of the nutritional composition (minerals, phenolic compounds) and the antioxidant activities of fifteen tossa jute populations and (ii) the identification of the superior performing ones. The results of the analysis of variances (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between the assessed populations in terms of mineral and phenolic compositions as well as in terms of antioxidant activity (DPPH). The univariate comparison of means tests and the hierarchical cluster analysis identified two interesting groups of tossa jute populations; The first group was presented by P11 and P15; which were characterized by the highest mineral composition; and the second group brings together the populations P4 and P12; which were characterized by the highest phenolic composition. This germplasm recommended to be the subject of further studies to achieve the breeding program to develop more performing variety jute for the Tunisian arid regions.