Domestication, ecology, and utilization of roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): harnessing the potential of an underutilized crop for improvement

This paper highlights the biology, domestication, and ecological adaptability of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and its diverse applications in the food, health, and industrial sectors. This paper also synthesizes current research on the plant’s rich phytochemical composition, highlights its pharmacological and therapeutic potential, and discusses recent progress in crop improvement, genetic diversity, and breeding efforts. Key challenges in production and utilization are identified, alongside strategies to enhance yield, resilience, and phytochemical content. Research on crop breeding strategies to improve yield and enhance phytochemical components has increased. However, the cleistogamous nature, with predominant self-pollination occurring before flower opening, is one potential limitation to gene flow and cross-breeding potential in roselle. To address this, non-conventional methods such as haploid induction via microspore culture, mutation breeding, somatic embryogenesis, and tissue culture-independent transformation have been explored, with some promising genetic variants developed. Furthermore, the recent availability of roselle genome assemblies could open new pathways for precision breeding and genetic improvement. Nevertheless, the representation of wild relatives and diverse landraces in gene banks has remained insufficiently documented. Moreover, further work is required to standardize and regulate its commercial applications, especially now that roselle has gained attention for pharmacological and therapeutic use to help ensure safety, efficacy, and reproducibility. This paper helps inform future research in support of breeding programs and commercial use of roselle in various industries and programs that seek to elevate roselle’s status as a sustainable and economically valuable crop, on par with other major vegetable species.