Mulberry plant is the sole food of silkworm, Bombyx mori as it is a monophagous insect which falls under order Lepidoptera. The quality mulberry leaves should be the main focus of silkworm rearers, because after feeding quality mulberry leaves, the healthy growth of larva occurs and finally leads to the formation of quality cocoon crop. The mulberry varieties vary in the biochemical constitution of leaves viz., proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, ascorbic acid etc which are needed for the proper growth and development of silkworms, hence the selection of quality mulberry plants is of prime importance to yield maximum benefits.

Biochemical, Evaluation, Different, Quality, Mulberry varieties

Mulberry varieties differ in the biochemical constitution of leaves and also differ with regard to the position of the leaves on the branches. Comparatively the tender mulberry leaves are found to contain most of the biochemical constituents in higher concentration followed by medium and coarse leaves. The mulberry leaves which are rich in optimum level of nutrients are found to accelerate the healthy growth of worms which reflects in the better silk gland development and increased cocoon crop production. Therefore, the careful selection and development of new mulberry varieties with respect to the regions acquires importance for the overall development of the sericulture industry.

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