Study of Phenotypic Variation of Three Different Varieties of Mulberry and Their Growth Response to Climatic Factors in Băneasa Bucharest Region

This study, conducted at SCDP Băneasa, Bucharest, investigated the phenotypic variation of three Morus alba L. cultivars under local climatic conditions. Mulberry, valued for fruits, leaves, and adaptability, is increasingly affected by climate change, influencing growth, pest incidence, and product quality. In 2024, three cultivars (‘Kinriu’, ‘Kokuso 21’, ‘No. 24’) were planted in a randomized block, 30 trees each, equally split between bush form and semi-tall trunk systems. Soil properties were analyzed at multiple depths over consecutive years. A μMETOS 300-USW weather station monitored climatic parameters. In the 2025 growing season (March–September), climatic assay concluded that the mean air temperature was 17.1 °C, total precipitation encountered 347 mm, relative humidity was 69.8 %, and sunshine exceeded 1,520 h. Growth varied among cultivars and training systems: bush form favored shoot elongation, while semi-tall trunk promoted stem thickening. Cultivar choice and training system significantly affected mulberry growth under ecological conditions in Băneasa, suggesting orchard designs should match production goals, maximizing biomass for sericulture or enhancing structural growth for fruit production. The ‘Kinriu’ cultivar trained in the semi-tall trunk system showed the highest vegetative growth, while the bush form, especially in ‘No. 24’, resulted in the lowest performance.