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Jute mallow cultivation in coconut coir substrate under polyethylene house is not popular among growers in sub Saharan Africa. The consequences of climate change and rising demand for safe vegetable necessitate an evaluation of leaf yield and yield related traits. A pot experiment was arranged in completely randomised design with four replications. Data were collected on leaf growth, leaf yield and yield related traits. The significant mean squares (P≤0.01) for accession, and accession by season interaction for leaf weight, leaf width, and number of nodes/plant suggest cross over performance across season. This led to variation in mean values for traits in different seasons. FUOJM 1 and 14 hold promise for leaf fresh weight, FUOJM 4, FUOJM 9 and FUOJM 15 for leaf area, and FUOJM 11, FUOJM 1, FUOJM 10 and FUOJM 7 for number of leaves/plant. FUOJM 1 performed best for leaf fresh weight, total plant weight, and number of leaves/plant. High performance for leaf weight, number of leaves/plant, and leaf size is consistent with photosynthetic rate and accumulation of photosynthates. Determinants of leaf fresh weight are total plant weight, plant length and number of leaves/plant. FUOJM 1 with potential for multiple traits (leaf fresh weight, total plant weight, and number of leaves/plant) would make a good variety for cultivation in coconut coir substrate in polyethylene house.

Keywords: Jute mallow, protected cultivation, polyethylene house, leaf yield and yield related traits