Performance of elite mulberry genotypes in different seasons for leaf yield and yield contributing traits

Abstract

Mulberry is a woody perennial and heterozygous plant. The foliage is the sole food for the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) which draws substantial amount of nutrient elements from soil for nourishment of the insect. The quality of mulberry leaves has a predominant role on the growth and development of silkworm larvae and subsequent cocoon production. Mulberry (Morus spp.) belongs to family Moraceae and grouped under Urticales.. Study on performance of elite mulberry genotypes (Morus spp), under rainfed during different season was carried at Department of Sericulture UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65. Among 15 elite mulberry genotypes evaluated, highest plant height was recorded by MI-79 (341.95 cm), followed by S-36 (336.56 cm) and MI-142 (327.37 cm). During three season rainy, winter and summer MI-79, S-36, ME-27, MI- 139 and ME-52 found superior for all most all the traits contributing traits viz., number of branches, internodal distance, number of leaves per plant, leaf yield per plant (g).