Evaluation of Elite Mulberry (Morus spp.) Genotypes for Leaf and Fruit Yield Parameters
Tejaswini A S *
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Bhoomika Raj G S
Department of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Veenita M K
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Chikkalingaiah
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Kaveri Aramani
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
Shwetha G V
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka-560065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study evaluated the performance of eight elite mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes under rainfed conditions at the Department of Sericulture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, during 2023-24 across three seasons viz., winter, summer and rainy seasons focusing on vegetative and fruit traits. Genotype MI-0014 consistently exhibited superior vegetative growth, including the highest leaf yield and the shortest internodal distance. ME-0006 demonstrated excellence in fruit traits such as fruit length, width, weight and overall fruit yield per plant. ME-0220 produced the highest number of fruits per plant, while ME-0067 consistently recorded a high number of leaves per plant across the three seasons. Based on overall performance, MI-0014 and ME-0006 were identified as promising genotypes for enhancing both sericulture productivity and mulberry fruit utilization. These findings support the strategic selection of mulberry genotypes to boost sustainable cultivation and diversify mulberry-based industries.
Keywords: Mulberry genotypes, mulberry fruit parameters, mulberry vegetative parameters, fruit yield, leaf yield