Gradual improvement of mulberry varieties under irrigated conditions in South India and the optimal program for varietal selection in the tropics

Sarkar, A.; Kumar, J.S.; Datta, R.K.

Gradual improvement of mulberry varieties under irrigated conditions in South India and the optimal program for varietal selection in the tropics

2000

Sarkar, A. (Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysore (Inde)) | Kumar, J.S. | Datta, R.K.

In South India, only the local mulberry variety with the yield of only 20 MT per hectare per year under irrigated condition was available till 1970. In the gradual development of new varieties the yield level of the recently recommended high yielding mulberry variety, Victory-1 (V-1) has reached to the extent of 71.9 MT per hectare per year which is 55. 7% high over the last recommended variety, S-36 (46.2 MT/ha/yr). The high production in the variety V-1 is mainly due to the high photosynthetic rate and reduced transpiration. The quality of leaf of the mulberry variety, V-1 as judged by the chemical analysis indicated a higher amount of protein (24.56%) and total sugar (16.98%). Bioassay test proved the superiority of the variety, V-1 with respect to survival, single cocoon weight and single shell weight over the other varieties so far developed. Finally, a high rooting percentage (94%) from cuttings ensures an easy establishment of the variety. Moreover, the variety was found to be resistant to leaf spot and moderately resistant to leaf rust diseases. An analysis of the process of development of the variety, V-1 clearly indicated that selection of suitable parents contributed to its success. A cross between high yielding tropical mulberry variety and a well adapted temperate variety which exhibits no or less dormancy in winter increases the chance of getting a productive genotype with quality leaf in tropical region

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