Characterization of anatomical properties for different mulberry clones

Abstract

India is a leading producer and consumer of wood products in the Asian and Pacific regions, with a significant demand driven by population growth and urbanization. Despite this demand, the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and Supreme Court directives have restricted wood availability from natural forests, highlighting the need for alternative sources. Mulberry (Morus spp.) has emerged as a promising species for agroforestry due to its fast growth and multiple industrial applications, including sericulture, handicrafts, sports goods, and paper production. This study aimed to identify superior mulberry clones through detailed wood anatomical analysis, focusing on vessel and fiber morphology. Vessel length and diameter, fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen size, cell wall thickness, and derived indices such as slenderness ratio, runkel ratio, flexibility, and rigidity coefficient were examined. The findings indicated significant variations among clones, with several clones demonstrating characteristics favorable for industrial applications, particularly in paper production. The study underscores the potential of mulberry as an alternative raw material for the wood-based industry, contributing to the sustainable development of agroforestry systems in India.