Phenotypic characterisation of mulberry (Morus spp.) germplasm

摘要

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the sole food for Mori silkworm (Bombyx mori L). Genus Moms L. to which mulberry belongs is distributed in a wide range of climate of the world covering different agro-ecological conditions. In India also a large number of mulberry germplasm are being maintained at different institutions for crop improvement. With the increasing demand of more production, plant breeding programmes of present day require more broader genetic base than earlier. Therefore, it is pertinent to accumulate more number of germplasm at one place to conserve variability as well as its proper utilization. For effective utilization of the germplasm, characterisation and evaluation are an essential steps. Present paper deals with the phenotypical variability of 22 morphological, 26 floral and 14 anatomical attributes of 328 (212 indigenous and 116 exotic) mulberry accessions. The morphological descriptors are mainly taxonomical in nature and supposed to be heritable and will help in identification of the species/ cultivars at different phase of characterisation. The accessions were grouped into various categories based on morphological variation. Like wise, the floral biological and anatomical features were analysed and the results indicated a wide range of variability. Thus, the detailed study on characterisation which help the breeders in selection of apte parents for the breeding programme and contribute to the development of highly productive varieties and in turn on promotion of sericultural industry through out the country has been described in this paper.