Biochemical insights into selective mulberry (Morus sp.) genotypes

The biochemical assessment of six mulberry genotypes viz., MI-0543, MI-0615, MI-0651, MI-0663, MI-0685 and MI-0718 in comparison with two cultivated varieties viz., V1 and G4 was carried out in the present study. The contents of chlorophyll (chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and total chlorophyll), total protein, carbohydrate levels leaf moisture and moisture retention capacity were estimated for the above-mentioned mulberry genotypes and cultivated varieties. The results of the study revealed a notable variation among the genotypes and varieties with respect to biochemical constituents. V1 variety exhibited the highest levels of total protein (26.63%), total carbohydrate (17.53%), chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a- 4.31, chlorophyll b- 2.23, total chlorophyll- 6.15), leaf moisture content (80.54%) and moisture retention capacity (81.05%). MI-0685 and MI-0663 performed the best for majority of the criteria among the six genotypes, whereas MI-0615 recorded minimum values for biochemical constituents. These biochemical constituents estimated in this study play a crucial in selection of mulberry cultivars with good quality. The cultivars with high moisture content and nutritional profiles when fed to the silkworm, improves the rearing traits and increases the silk productivity and improves the silk quality.