Leaf Growth Parameters and Leaf Biochemieal Composition of 17 Elite Mulberry (Morns spp.) Genotypes

摘要

Nutritional value of mulberry leaf is a key factor besides environment and technology adaptation for better silkworm cocoon crop. It is a fact that leaf quality differs among mulberry varieties. Quality and quantity of mulberry leaves is highly influenced by varieties, cultivation practices, preservation techniques and age. Nutritional requirement of silkworm larvae vary with maturity of leaves. Since the evaluation of 17 elite mulberry genotypes was carried out VI and Mysore local varieties were used as check. No single genotype was superior in respect of all the traits studied during rainy seasons. Leaf yield/plant was recorded maximum in Surat local during rainy (3213.06g/plant). Significant positive associations at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were recorded for leaf yield/plant and also for most of the yield contributing traits. The 17 genotypes were studied for leaf biochemical analysis. In rainy season, MR-2 recorded higher moisture content (74.59%), moisture retention capacity of 70.63,66.35 and 58.64% at 6, 12 and 24 h after harvest, higher crude protein (24.03%), total carbohydrates (22.70%), sugar (14.24%), starch (1 1.66%) and total chlorophyll content (3.19 mg/g) compared to other genotypes. Further, lowest biochemical parameters observed in the genotype of MI-524.