Screening of Selected Mulberry (Morus) Germplasm Varieties Through Propagation Parameters.

Abstract

Nine mulberry varieties along with one check variety M₅ were field tested at Bethamangala village of Kolar district, Karnataka. These mulberry varieties were evaluated for the propagation parameters, like sprouting, survival, shoot growth and rooting behaviour. Results showed that, sprouting percentage was above 95% inTR₈, TR₁₂ and S₁₇₀₈ mulberry varieties, while survival rate was as high as 93% in S₁₇₀₈. Mulberry variety S₁₇₀₈ recorded highest shoot length of 62.63cm and shorter shoot length was recorded in C₆(35.55cm). Mulberry varieties studied exhibited considerable variations in fresh shoot and dry shoot weight. Among the mulberry varieties studied, Matigara black showed the longest root length (25.99cm) followed by TR₁₂ (23.57cm) and TR₈ (21.98cm). Numbers of roots / sapling were recorded more in Matigara black (42) and less in TR₈ (14). Root volume was significantly high in Matigara black (16.27ml) and Tr₂₀ (14.21ml) when compared to other varieties. Overall the mulberry variety S₁₇₀₈ showed better results in many propagation characters followed by TR₈ and TR₂₀ mulberry varieties.

Key Words: Growth, mulberry germplasm; sprouting; survival; rooting; root length, root volume.