Leaf Quality Evaluation of Eight Mulberry (Morus spp.) Genotypes through Biochemical Analysis

Author: Omais Bin Ayoub, Nisar Ahmad Ganie, Aroos Rauf Rafiqui, Ovais Ahmad Hajam and Mohd Rafiq Bhat

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Abstract

Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. derives all the nutrients required for its growth and development from mulberry leaves which is the sole source of food for the insect. Therefore, silk production is directly influenced by the nutritional quality of leaves. The present study evaluated the biochemical composition of leaves from eight mulberry genotypes—Goshoerami, Ichinose, Koksu-21, Koksu-20, KNG, Enshutakasuke, Kanva-2 and Kairiyoroso. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with three replications assessing the following parameters: nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), total protein (%), total carbohydrate (%), total chlorophyll (%) and total phenol (%). Results indicated significant variations among the genotypes in macronutrient content. KNG exhibited highest nitrogen (3.78%), protein (23.62%), carbohydrate (20.27%) and potassium (1.50%) levels while Kokso-21 displayed the highest phosphorus (0.31%) and chlorophyll (0.35%) content. In contrast, Kanva-2 showed the lowest nitrogen (2.82%), protein (17.63%), carbohydrate (15.87%) and chlorophyll (0.26%) content. The highest phenol content was observed in Kanva-2 (4.22%) while Koksu-21 had the lowest (3.28%). KNG outperformed all other genotypes in most of the parameters and was found to be the most nutritive. These differences highlight genotypic variability and variation in nutrient absorption and hence suggest that the selection of genotype plays an important role in determining the nutritional quality of mulberry leaves which will directly impact the silkworm growth and silk yield

Keywords

Mulberry, genotype, biochemical, analysis, quality

Conclusion

The study evaluated different biochemical constituents of leaf which are essential for silkworm growth and silk production among eight mulberry genotypes. Among them, KNG was found to be the most nutritive, containing the highest levels of nitrogen, protein, carbohydrate and potassium. Kokso-21 had the highest phosphorus and chlorophyll content while Kanva-2 had the lowest levels of essential nutrients but the highest phenol content which may help in plant defence. The variations in nutrient composition can be attributed to genetic differences, environmental factors and cultivation practices. These results highlight the importance of selecting the suitable mulberry genotype with improved leaf quality for better sericulture productivity. Therefore, targeted breeding and improved cultivation practices are needed to develop better mulberry varieties for sustainable sericulture. Future research should focus on how these genotypes affect silkworm growth, cocoon yield and silk quality to confirm their usefulness in sericulture

References

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How to cite this article

Omais Bin Ayoub, Nisar Ahmad Ganie, Aroos Rauf Rafiqui, Ovais Ahmad Hajam and Mohd Rafiq Bhat (2023). Leaf Quality Evaluation of Eight Mulberry (Morus spp.) Genotypes through Biochemical Analysis. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1719-1723.