Morphological characterization of mulberry (Morus spp.) germplasm for DUS traits under temperate conditions

The morphological characterization is the first step towards diversity analysis and conservation of plant genetic resources. A major challenge facing those involved in the testing of plant varieties for Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) is the need to compare them against all those of common knowledge. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Right Act insists on Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization of new varieties and recommends the registration of varieties for any one specific novel character. On this backdrop, the present experiment was carried out to evaluate twenty-five (25) mulberry genotypes for DUS characterization under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication at the germplasm bank of CoTS, SKUAST-Kashmir, Mirgund during 2021. The results of the study revealed wide variation in various traits among different mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes. The assessment of twenty five (25) genotypes for twenty one (21) traits revealed that all the traits were informative with respect to trait expression cum characterization. The different characters studied were having great impact for selection of superior genotypes for further breeding programmes. Hence, the diversity observed among the genotypes could be utilized for cultivar improvement and germplasm conservation programs aimed at improving productivity in mulberry (Morus spp.).