Influence of Aeroponic System on Quality Parameters of V-1 Mulberry

Author: Nishchitha G.A., Chandrashekhar S., Bhaskar R.N., Nirmala K.S. and Lavanya C.

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Abstract

Due to increasing problems in soil-based crop production, such as the loss of arable land, soil degradation, soil-borne pathogens and the impacts of climate change, soilless culture systems are currently one of the fastest-growing sectors. Growing plants in a limited rooting volume, root restriction, is a powerful technique to improve the utilization efficiency of agricultural resources such as space, water, and nutrition. Looking into these advantages and to explore the possibility of growing the V-1 mulberry saplings under aeroponics the study was undertaken. Propagating hard wood cuttings using aeroponics can indeed be challenging, as there are not many studies available on this topic. However, with careful experimentation and observation, we developed an aeroponic system for mulberry cuttings propagation. The quality parameters of mulberry saplings (Morus sp.) grown under aeroponic system and nursery condition were assessed at 60 days after transplanting. The plants grown under aeroponic system were recorded maximum for protein percentage and leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S). Total chlorophyll content in mulberry leaf and carbohydrate percentage were found maximum under nursery conditions. However, the percent leaf moisture and moisture retention capacity after 6 hours were found on par under both the systems. Among treatments, three buds per cutting recorded maximum for all the quality parameters followed by two buds per cutting and one bud per cutting. Among interaction, three budded cuttings under aeroponic system recorded maximum leaf quality parameters nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) (2.18, 0.49, 3.48, 0.45, 0.37 and 0.27%) and protein percentage (13.65%) whereas least was recorded by one budded cuttings under nursery at 60 DAT. However, three budded cuttings under nursery recorded maximum carbohydrate content (18.03%). There was no significant difference with respect to total chlorophyll content, leaf moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity after 6 hours.

Keywords

Aeroponics, Nursery, V-1 Mulberry, Quality parameters

Conclusion

The results of the present investigation indicated that, the quality parameters of V-1 mulberry saplings are influenced by propagation systems (aeroponic system and nursery conditions), different number of buds (one, two and three) on cuttings and the interaction effect of both systems of propagation and varying number of buds on cuttings. Based on this, it can be inferred that mulberry leaves grown aeroponically have higher quality parameters which are relevant to the growth and development of silkworms. The results also suggests that the use of aeroponically grow mulberry leaves for chawki rearing could lead to enhanced growth and development of silkworms. However, it is important to note that the exact effects of aeroponically grown leaves on silkworm growth and development may require further research and validation.

References

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How to cite this article

Nishchitha G.A., Chandrashekhar S., Bhaskar R.N., Nirmala K.S. and Lavanya C. (2023). Influence of Aeroponic System on Quality Parameters of V-1 Mulberry. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 108-114.