Biochemical characterization of mulberry (Morus sp) germplasm accessions for leaf quality

Abstract

Biochemical constituents of mulberry leaf play a vital role in the field of moriculture and sericulture. Qualitative and quantitative production of silk depends upon the quality of mulberry leaves consumed by mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. The present study aims to highlight the phytochemical profile of leaves in ten mulberry germplasm accessions in comparison with three check varieties which was carried out during the year 2021-2022 at the Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. Biochemical and macro mineral composition studies revealed that the mulberry germplasm accession viz., MI-0790 established its nutritional superiority with respect to moisture content, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, proline content, total carbohydrate, crude fibre, crude protein, phosphorus and calcium followed by ME-0174, MI-0665, MI-0812, MI-0252 and MI-0310 recorded comparatively higher values in respect of biochemical constituents. The phenotypic correlation analyses between biochemical parameters were found to be significant between almost all traits. In cluster analysis, 13 mulberry accessions were separated into six distinct groups. Hence, the genotypes in cluster I, cluster V and cluster VI can be further used as one of the parent in mulberry crop improvement programme.