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Background: Himachal Pradesh is one of the important apple producing state in India and a substantial quantity of apple fruit is utilized in processing for the preparation of juice and the left-over apple pomace remains a pollutant owing to the un-hygienic nature of apple pomace and its quick bio-degradability. Only a small fraction of apple pomace is traditionally being utilized in animal feeding due to the rapid spoilage of the wet pomace. The utilization of apple pomace in animal feeding remains a challenge and thus an attempt was made to ensile the maize through incorporation of apple pomace. Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of maize silage incorporated with different levels of apple pomace and to study the effect of feeding silage on milk performance of crossbred cows. In the experiment apple pomace was incorporated in maize silage at 10, 20 and 30 per cent level. Result: On studying the proximate composition of different silage it was found that silage (T3) containing 80 per cent maize, 10 per cent apple pomace and 10 per cent mulberry leaves showed promising results. In T3 the proximate principles viz. dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre acid detergent fibre, total ash, acid insoluble ash and pH were in ideal range and was at par with the silage formed by ensiling of sole maize crop. In the animal feeding trial, on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage 10.21 per cent higher milk yield was recorded with significantly higher milk fat, SNF and proteins. The net return on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage to crossbred cows was ₹ 149.00 which was higher than the control group (143.00 cow-1 day-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morus alba L. is a member of family Moraceae that have been traditionally used to cure various ailments in many Asian, South African and European countries. The plant has significant economic value due to its sweet and nutritious fruits which are used in various culinary applications. In addition, the leaves of this plant serve as the primary food source for silkworms, making it a crucial component of the global silk industry. Furthermore, the plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and its leaves, bark, and fruit have been utilized for their various therapeutic properties. Morus alba has been extensively studied for its phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and toxicological profile, with many studies showing promising results. However, despite the growing interest in this plant, there are very few extensive reviews on this topic. The current review provides a comprehensive summary of the distribution, traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and active chemical constituents of M. alba. This study includes distribution and ethnomedicinal use of this plant in different regions of India, explored the phytochemicals, their structure and pharmacological significance. Furthermore, a comparative analysis and investigation revealed the potential of this plant for treating cancer, diabetes, inflammation, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, antimicrobial properties, and potential for fighting coronavirus. Though, detailed studies are required on the clinical use of M. alba against human diseases. Additionally, the present study revealed that a thorough toxicological investigation must be carried out to ensure its safe and effective use as a health-promoting medicinal plant. [Display omitted] • Morus alba is traditionally being used for curing jaundice, dysentery, sore throat throughout the world. • Iron and vitamin B, C, K are found abundantly in plant berries. • Bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant enhances the pharmaceutical properties. • Excellent source of antioxidants with superior dietary profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is a cosmopolitan pest that attacks a wide range of economically important crops like hot and sweet peppers, mulberry, jute, tea and several ornamentals. This study was undertaken to monitor the development of acaricide resistance, if any, in five representative field-collected populations of Karnataka, India. Bioassays were carried out against five acaricide chemistries, and resistance ratios were calculated by comparing the LC50 values of field populations with the susceptible laboratory population (Pa-Lab). The resistance ratios varied from 26.03 to 81.16-fold for diafenthiuron, 27.35 to 83.47-fold for dicofol, 9.72 to 45.42-fold for fenazaquin, 8.77 to 16.84-fold for propargite and 48.37 to 163.39-fold for spiromesifen. Resistance to the acaricides was unstable in P. latus as a decline in resistance (14.11-102.53-fold) was observed over generations in the absence of selection pressure. The results suggest that acaricides should be sprayed at economic threshold levels or on a rotation basis for one or more seasons for better management of P. latus by delaying the development of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mulberry leaf is a sole food of silkworm Bombyx mori on which it feeds and produces silk called mulberry or mori silk. Due to its quality, mori silk has huge demand in national and international market and earns a valuable foreign exchange for the country. Weeds are of great menace as they interfere with production and quality of mulberry leaf and also add significant amount to the cost of cultivation. The factors which are congenial for heavy weed growth in mulberry are continuous mono-cropping, wider spacing coupled with regular application of manures and fertilizers after each crop harvest for maintenance of plantation. The reduction in production and quality of leaf has direct correlation with production of cocoons and quality silk. If losses due to weeds can be reduced by half from present level of 30-40%, leaf yield of mulberry will increase by 9-12 MT ha-1 year-1 which can be utilized to produce 55-73.5 kg ha-1 year-1 more raw silk to enhance the silk production of country. The effective weed control involves identification of weed flora, method of weed control and judicious combination of effective weed control methods. Depending upon soil type, agro climatic and ecological conditions, the nature and intensity of weed flora, their competitiveness varies. A total of 57-141 weed species belongs to 28-44 families have been reported in mulberry field across the country. Manual weeding in mulberry is an age old practice in India, but it is a tedious, expensive and time consuming. Black polyethylene mulching alone has been found economically advantageous over manual weeding in mulberry plantation. However no single method viz., manual weeding, cover crop intercropping, herbicide and mulching found effective in weed control as compared to integrated method of weed control. Spraying of pre-emergence and early post emergence herbicides keeps the mulberry plantation in weed free conditions during the early stages. At later stage, when second flush of weeds attains peak after 30 days of pruning, spraying of herbicide is not possible due to chance of residual toxicity to the silkworm. Integration of pre herbicide followed by manual weeding at later stage or integration of hand weeding after pruning followed by either cover crop intercropping or mulching may helps to reduce damage due to weed, prevent silkworm from residual toxicity of herbicide and reduces manual weeding cost to some extent. Hence a brief review was presented to find out the influence of different weed management method in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot disease of mulberry is a widespread soil-borne disease, which can cause serious damage and huge economic loss to mulberry production in India. Efficient and reliable screening methods are prerequisites to evaluate the disease-resistant germplasm accessions for developing a cultivar's resistance to root rot. A multifactor experiment with four replications was established to evaluate four different inoculation techniques namely, colonized sorghum grains (CSG), colonized toothpick, root dip (RD), and syringe inoculation using pathogenic isolates of three fungal pathogens; Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum (dry root rot) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (black root rot) against known resistant and susceptible mulberry germplasm accessions under glasshouse conditions. In addition, all the methods of evaluating resistance were compared and the results indicated that CSG and RD methods of inoculation for dry and black root rot were stable in their pathogenic effect. Also, these two methods were easy to screen and more convenient than other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on age specific life table of Bombyx mori Linn. race NB4D2 x SH6 reared on leaves of mulberry (Morus alba) plant variety S-1 at two different temperatures viz. control temperature (25 ± 1 °C) with 75 ± 5% relative humidity and room temperature in the laboratory of Sericulture Research, Demonstration and Training Unit, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110 (Uttar Pradesh), India. Data revealed that Bombyx mori Linn. race NB4D2 x SH6 required 37 and 40 days to complete its life cycle at control temperature (25 ± 1 °C) with 75 ± 5% relative humidity and room temperature, respectively. At control temperature, the highest mortality 85.19 per cent was exhibited at 36th day followed by 49.06 per cent at 35th day and the lowest mortality 1.12 per cent was recorded on 5th day followed by 1.14 per cent on 6th day. In case of room temperature, the highest mortality 88.89 per cent was recorded at 39th day followed by 66.67 per cent at 38th day and lowest mortality 1.20 per cent was recorded at 8th day followed by 1.35 per cent at 15th day. There an initial drop in survivorship (lx) was seen followed by an intermittent steady decline with long pauses till the formation of adult and sharp decline was observed at adult stage in both the conditions viz., control temperature (25 ± 1 °C) with 75 ± 5% relative humidity as well as at room temperature till the end of generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving efficiencies of water and nutrients is considered as a most vital factor for augmenting mulberry productivity. In this study, low-cost drip fertigation (LCDF) systems were evaluated on leaf yield, quality, water use efficiency (WUE), and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) utilizing 12 year-old S1635 mulberry plantation. Treatments were drip tape and drum-kit drip fertigation in different quanta of Recommended Dose (at 50%, 75% & 100%; RD: 67 kg N, 36 kg P2O5, and 22 kg K2O ha−1 crop−1). A plot with surface irrigation at 100% RD was maintained as control. Fertigation of 100% RD produced the best results in terms of growth, leaf yield, and quality, but is statistically at par with 75% RD fertigation under LCDF. Fertigation of 75% RD through LCDF increased the leaf yield by 26% and leaf quality by 56% (TSP: Total soluble protein) and 28% (TSS: Total soluble sugar) as compared to control. LCDF reduced water requirement by 24% resulting in increased WUE (61%) and NUE (63%). Fertigation at 75% RD could be the optimal quantum for sustainable mulberry leaf production in Eastern India; might equally be the climate-smart-sericulture option for economically poor and marginal stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, severe yield and economic losses in sericulture were reported due to mulberry root rot disease. Since the disease was caused by complex soil-borne pathogens with wide host range, an attempt was made to develop actinobacteria based biological management strategy to mitigate it. Results: As a result of continuous screening for anti-fungal actinobacteria, 2 novel and potent isolates (M11 and M12) belong to the rare genus, Actinoalloteichus were obtained from mulberry rhizosphere. Both isolates were gram positive, grayish, aerobic and produced good amount of melanin pigment during sporulation. They exhibited excellent anti-fungal activity against mulberry root rot pathogens viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium solani, Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani. In addition, these melanogenic isolates grew in wide temperature and pH ranges. Their multi-stress tolerance ability/polyextremophilic nature was exposed when amending regular growth medium with excess concentration of salt and alkali. In addition, the potent isolates also showed tolerance to carbendazim (up to 1000 ppm) and UVB irradiation (up to 180 min at 10 cm distance). Conclusion: The present study focused on the identification and characterization of melanogenic actinobacteria, further made it potential candidate that could be incorporated in eco-friendly, integrated disease management strategies against complex mulberry root rot pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the genetic diversity of BmNPV isolates causing grasserie viral disease of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. is essential for adoption of management strategies including biotechnological tools. The present study was aimed at the use of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiling for studying the molecular diversity analysis of six BmNPV isolates collected from Devanahalli, Kolar, Shidlaghatta, Hosakote, Tumakuru, and Ramanagara areas in Karnataka, India (BmNPV-Ko, BmNPV-Ho, BmNPV-SG, BmNPV-DH, BmNPV-TM, BmNPV-Ram respectively). DNA was extracted from each of these isolates and subjected to digestion with different restriction enzymes EcoR1, BamH1, Sma1, Nco1, and a combination of BamH1+Nco1 and electrophoresed in 0.8% w/v agarose gel to visualize restriction enzyme profile. The analysis revealed that all the six BmNPV isolates had similar Nco1 and Sma1 restriction patterns, although there was variation in low molecular weight fragments. The EcoR1 and BamH1 restriction patterns were nearly the same for all the isolates except for the presence of an approximately 4kb and an additional 1.5kb polymorphic band only in BmNPV-TM and BmNPV-Ram isolates. BamH1+Nco1 digestion of the DNA from each isolate yielded numerous fragments, which was different in BmNPVRam isolate. Molecular diversity analysis can helps in understanding the evolution and phylogeny of the virus, enhance the knowledge on its pathogenicity and can help to develop and adopt suitable measures to combat and diagnose the disease to reduce crop loss and increase income generating ability of the farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Morus indica L.) is a foliage crop cultivated extensively in the North-Eastern India under rainfed condition for rearing silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). An attempt was made through field experimentation to develop a soil-cum-nutrient management package for mulberry cultivation in acid soil under rainfed condition. Effects of different treatment combinations comprising of NPK, farmyard manure (FYM), lime and boron (B) on important soil properties, yield and quality of mulberry (Morus indica L. var. S1635) leaf were assessed to identify the best soil-cum-nutrient management package. Results indicated that fertilizer dosage based on ready-reckoner soil test value was not effective for the production of high-quality leaf with specific targeted yield of the crop (4.5 t/ha/crop-cutting). Integrated soil application of NPK @ 150:50:50 kg ha−1, FYM@10 t ha−1, lime as per requirement (3t ha−1 in present case) and foliar application of boric acid solution (0.1% w/v) was the most effective soil-cum-nutrient management package for the production of higher leaf yield which is comparable with the targeted yield. As far as leaf quality is concerned, increased moisture content, total N, P, K and B content of leaf are also attributed to the package. The package resulted in increased pH, organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, available N, P, K and decreased exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total potential acidity of soil. The study indicates the usefulness of soil-cum-nutrient management package for improved soil health of acid soils as well as achieving high yield and quality of mulberry leaf in such acid soils of the North-Eastern India and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Root rot caused by a group of fungi is a serious disease in mulberry. This study aims to identify and characterize Rhizopus oryzae and other fungal species associated with root rot of mulberry in India. Methods and Results: Rotted root samples were collected from the mulberry gardens from four states of Southern India. The majority of the isolates identified were R. oryzae, and others were saprophytic fungi, less abundant to occasional. Two methods of inoculations were tested to confirm the pathogenicity of the selected isolates and R. oryzae was found to be pathogenic on susceptible mulberry genotypes RC2 and SRDC‐1. Multi gene phylogenetic analyses using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), actin (ACT) and translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF), identified the isolates as R. oryzae. Additionally, Ovatospora brasiliensis, Amesia nigricolor, Gongronella butleri, Myrmecridium schulzeri, Scedosporium boydii, Graphium euwallacea, Clonostachys rosea andTalaromyces spp. were also identified. Conclusion: This study revealed the existence of eleven species of fungi including the first report of R. oryzae and the occurrence of weak pathogens or saprophytes that are associated with the root rot of mulberry in India. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report of R. oryzae causing Rhizopus rot of mulberry in India. Moreover, the occurrence of saprophytes associated with root rot of mulberry was identified. Further studies should focus more on the ability of these species to generate secondary metabolites and extracellular lytic enzymes as they are beneficial for the management of root rot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is endowed with a rich genetic diversity of fruits. The Hindustani center represents 344 species of fruits. Northeast India, meeting ground of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese bio-geographical areas is one of the 18 mega-biodiversity centers of the World, has contributed the fruit genera like Citrus, Musa, Mangifera, Docynia, Elaeocarpus, Myrica, Morus, Artocarpus, etc. There are a quite large number of indigenous and underutilized fruit crops, which are being used by the local inhabitants in rural areas. These underutilized fruits are fairly rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidant properties and are serving as protective food. Because of their curative properties, different parts of these fruits and plants have been used in ethnomedicine. Apart from their nutritive and medicinal values, quite a few of these underutilized fruits have good flavor, color and juice content and can be used for value additions. Several underutilized fruit species which have the potential for commercial exploitation are yet to be utilized to their potential. These fruit crops have not undergone any conscious phase of domestication and selection. Their cultivation is very restricted, and they grow in wild and semi-wild condition and adapt to local climatic conditions. Hence they can thrive even under the most adverse situation. Their adoption on a commercial scale, with crop improvement, standardization of cultural practices and popularization in diverse farming systems and value additions are warranted to achieve stability in farm production and food security. Many underutilized species, well adapted to marginal lands and with low-cost inputs, may thus be of great benefit for the survival of poor communities, employment generation and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silkworm larval mortality specifically during spinning stage leading to non-spinning with specific morphological symptoms was frequently complained by sericulturists in Karnataka, India during 2015. Survey was conducted and information collected through questionnaire from the identified farmers who faced the problem of non-spinning in both traditional and non-traditional areas of Karnataka. Survey results indicate that the problem is specific to the silkworm crop of those farmers’ who shifted from other crops of agriculture/ horticulture/ olericulture/ floriculture to Sericulture. Silkworm rearing performance of the batches fed with these leaves confirmed that the pesticide sprayed to the crops previous to mulberry, remain in the soil and when mulberry plantation is taken up in these gardens, the pesticide is absorbed by the roots of mulberry plants and transported to the leaves. Silkworms that feed on these mulberry leaves, grow and ripen normally but during spinning stage, larvae die with external symptoms like regurgitation, body shrinkage, rectal protrusion later become hook shaped leading to non-spinning or partial metamorphosis into pupa and death or spin flimsy cocoons. Larval mortality ranged from a minimum of twenty five percent to a maximum of hundred percent. The problem was noticed from the first harvest of leaves and lasted for a maximum period of 36 months. Cocoon crop loss depends on the concentration, duration and type of pesticides used previously for other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of climatic factors on the development of leaf spot diseases of mulberry (Morus alba L.) in Kashmir, India was studied. It was found that the highest disease incidence and severity of Goshoerami variety was found in tree type (13.86% and 1.98%) followed by dwarf (7.53% and 1.67%) and bush (3.38% and 0.99%), respectively. Due to infection of pathogen, the relative water content and chlorophyll content of leaves were consistently decreased. The order of reduction in relative water content of infected leaves was found as: bush > dwarf > tree, while as the reduction in chlorophyll content: bush > tree > dwarf. It was also found that temperature of 25–30 °C and relative humidity of above 80% favoured the development of the disease. Rapid development of disease was found during the month of June, July and August when average temperature and relative humidity was about 25–30°C and 80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving mulberry leaf production with enhanced leaf quality holds the key to sustain the ever increasing demand for silk. Adoption of modern genomic approaches for crop improvement is severely constrained by the lack of sufficient molecular markers in mulberry. Here, we report development and validation of 206 EST derived SSR markers using transcriptome data generated from leaf tissue of a drought tolerant mulberry genotype, Dudia white. Analysis of transcriptome data containing 10169 EST sequences, revealed 1469 sequences with microsatellite repeat motifs. We designed a total of 264 primers to the most appropriate repeat regions, of which 206 were locus specific. These markers were validated with 25 diverse mulberry accessions and their transferability to closely related species belonging to family Moraceae was examined. Of these markers, 189 revealed polymorphism with up to 8 allelic forms across mulberry species, genotypes and varieties with a mean of 3.5 alleles per locus. The markers also revealed higher polymorphic information content of 0.824 among the accessions. These markers effectively segregated the species and genotypes and hence, can be used for both diversity analysis and in breeding applications. Around 40% of these markers were transferable to other closely related species. Along with the other genic and genomic markers, we report a set of over 750 co-dominant markers. Using these markers we constructed the first genetic linkage map of mulberry exclusively with co-dominant markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty seven genotypes of Morus alba L. from the trans-Himalaya with white, pink and black fruit were studied to find out variability and relationship of fruit color and sampling location with total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) in fruit. The ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) ranged from 34.2 to 46.2 μmol Fe(II)/g DW. TPC ranged from 1.8 to 8.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW. The TFC ranged from 0.4 to 0.9 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW. Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that fruit color has no significant relationship with TPC and TAC. However, fruit color showed inconsistent effect on antioxidant capacity as determined by different methods. Sampling location has significant effect on antioxidant capacity, TPC, TFC and TAC. Interaction between fruit color and sampling location showed significant effect on antioxidant capacity and TAC. The study therefore showed that source of genotypes from different sampling location is more important as compare to fruit color in determining antioxidant capacity, TPC, TFC and TAC in M. alba fruit from the trans-Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costus igneus Nak and Costus pictus D. Don, commonly known as Spiral flag, is a member of Costaceae and a newly introduced plant in India from South and Central America. It is a perennial, upright, spreading plant reaching about two feet tall, with spirally arranged leaves and attractive flowers. In southern India, it usually grows as an ornamental plant and its leaves are used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Recently, a number of researches have been carried out to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of this plant. Besides, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous. Further, various phytochemical investigations reveal the presence of carbohydrates, triterpenoids, proteins, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroid, and appreciable amounts of trace elements. This work is an attempt to compile and explore the different pharmacological and phytochemical studies reported till date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture is an agro-based enterprise, highly suited to small and marginal farm holdings with less capital investment. Cocoon production involves two distinct activities namely, mulberry leaf production, which is the sole feed for silkworm and silkworm rearing. Both mulberry and silkworm are infested with a number of pests, which affect the cocoon quality and productivity resulting in economic loss to the farmers. Chemical control measure of pests is widely adopted by the farmers and its hazardous effects on human health and beneficial organisms are the least considered. Therefore, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques mainly involving suitable biological measures have been evolved and popularized for the control of mulberry and silkworm pests. However, despite the favourable results, the adoption level has remained low. In this context, a study was conducted in Thirunelveli and Virudunagar districts of Tamil Nadu with the information collected from 60 randomly selected farmers to understand the gap between available scientific knowledge in IPM practices and its adoption by sericulture farmers. The results revealed that there was the highest technological gap (87.60 %) in the adoption of biological control measures against the mulberry pests whereas the gap with cultural/ mechanical practices was 33.30 % and minimum 9.80% in the adoption of chemical measures. In case of management of uzifly menace on silkworms, there was no technological gap with respect to mechanical method of using nylon net to prevent the entry of uzifly inside the rearing house, whereas the technological gap of 77.00 % and 71.50% was observed for biological and chemical control methods, respectively. Thus, the IPM practices with the special emphasis on biocontrol method needs to be popularized among the farmers by intensified extension efforts for wider adoption at the farmer's level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture is an agro-based industry, which heavily depends on mulberry ( Morus spp.) for its sustainability, as mulberry leaf is the only available feed for the silkworm Bombyx mori L. Sericulture, in West Bengal and other subtropical regions in India, suffers from lack of adequate quantity of quality mulberry leaf during the colder months, the best season for rearing the high yielding bivoltine silkworm hybrids. In order to develop mulberry varieties, which can sustain normal growth during these colder months to yield better, efforts have been made in different research institutes in India. The present report is part of such an effort in which accessions in germplasm bank were screened for better growth, leaf retention and leaf yield contributing associated traits. Twenty three selected parents were crossed, 3,500 seeds were sown, 2,700 seedlings were transplanted to progeny row trail, selected 210 hybrids were evaluated under primary yield trial and finally nine hybrids along with a control variety were studied in detail for all leaf yield contributing traits under final yield trial. Stability analysis was adopted to identify hybrids, which can yield stably across seasons. The hybrids CT-44 and CT-11 out yielding the control by 17.17 and 7.11% were selected as these hybrids yield 7.93 and 8.15 mt/ha leaf respectively during the colder months (February) for their direct use as cultivars in West Bengal and other subtropical areas of India to sustain bivoltine sericulture to produce quality and gradable silk fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown leaf rust (BLR) caused by Peridiopsora mori is one of the major foliar diseases of mulberry (Morus sp.) in the subtropical hills of eastern India. The disease appeared in first week of August and continued up to September with maximum severity in second and third week of September. The disease symptoms appeared at atmospheric temperature (27.00–20.07°C), relative humidity (92.14–82.43%), rainfall (11.20 cm) and rainy days (7) of the preceding week. Disease severity (>50 PDI) was observed at temperature (26.29–19.29°C), relative humidity (94.14–80.14%), rainfall (4.12 cm) and number of rainy days (2–3 days). Apparent rate of infection was found high at temperature (27.00–19.83°C), relative humidity (94.67–85.00%), rainfall (4.6 cm) and rainy days (2) of the preceding week. The correlation coefficient between disease severity and average meteorological factors of the preceding 7 days revealed that BLR disease severity showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. It was also revealed that contribution of maximum and minimum temperature 42.23% and 35.21%, maximum and minimum relative humidity (RH) 11.23% and 10.69% and rainfall and number of rainy days 0.11% and 0.50%, respectively towards development of BLR disease severity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that average of maximum and minimum temperatures and minimum RH of preceding 7 days were found to maximally influence BLR disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of seventy sericulturists was conducted using personal interview method in two tehsils of Udaipur district of Rajasthan to assess their attitude towards sericulture. It was found that majority (58.57 per cent) of sericulturists had favourable attitude towards sericulture. The overall attitude was favourable (pooled mean= 3.794). Statements" farmers can utilize their lean period for sericulture" and " sericulture has come as a real boon to the farmers" were given first and second rank respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of fruit trees in the months of November 2004 to January 2005, constant occurrence of powdery mildew disease of mulberry caused by Phyllactinia guttata was observed in and adjoining areas of Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh. The symptom of powdery mildew disease of mulberry first appeared in the month of November in the form of small patches of white coloured powdery masses on the abaxial surface of mulberry leaves with corresponding lesions on the opposite surface (adaxial). When the disease progressed, these powdery patches grew in size and finally coalesced to cover the entire abaxial surface of leaves. These white powdery patches finally turn brown to black and leaves become yellow in colour. The development of cleistothecia was observed at the end of January, when conidial production slows down and eventually ceased. Cleistothecia were white at first, then turned orange to reddish brown and finally black when matured. Cleistothecia were usually hypophyllous, scattered, sometimes gregarious and large globose. The asci were numerous, 4-18 per cleistothecium and each ascus had two ascospores. Abnormal developments of cleistotheica were also observed. This is the first report of P. guttata on mulberry plants from Uttar Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the only silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) food plant. In Indian sub tropics, S-146 is the only popular and ruling mulberry genotype for silkworm rearing. As a result, mulberry leaf availability is always the limiting factor, and therefore, sub tropics are contributing less than 1% of the country's total silk production compared with more than 60% under tropical conditions. Besides climatic conditions, this is due to a very limited number of mulberry genotypes available in this region for silkworm rearing. However, in the mean time, 15 mulberry genotypes viz. 'Tr-10', 'Chinese White', 'K-2', 'Sujanpur Local', 'BC2-59', 'S-1635', 'C-1730', 'Mandalaya', 'S-30' (Vishala), 'RFS-175', 'Anantha', 'C-2016', 'C-2017', 'S-41' and 'V-1' were also introduced in the sub tropics, but remained unexplored. In sericulture, leaf surface is also an important parameter for, both, the silkworm's acceptability of not having any feeding impediment and the mulberry improvement programs. The objective of this study was to explore the possibilities of using these 16 mulberry genotypes for their leaf surface characteristics by scanning electron microscopy and using them for sericulture. Based on leaf yield, stomatal size, stomatal number per unit of area and trichomes and idioblasts length, these genotypes were grouped into different categories. The mulberry genotype 'Mandalaya', in addition to the ruling genotype 'S-146' excelled because of their higher leaf yield and desired leaf surface characteristics. Furthermore, the genotypes 'K-2', 'S-41' and 'Sujanpur Local' are also suggested to develop high yield mulberry genotypes in the Indian sub tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of chawki rearing training to the Chawki Rearing Centres (CRC) owners has been studied in Ananthapur and Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh. The results indicated that impact of chawki rearing training improved their knowledge and adoption level in young silkworm rearing technologies than the mulberry chawki technologies. Further the results indicated that Andhra Pradesh CRC owners should be focused on the importance of incubation and facilities to be improved to conduct incubation at their chawki rearing centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was taken up to study the economics of mulberry with other commercial crops of Andhra Pradesh as there was declining trend in mulberry cultivation and rapid improvement in the acreage of horticultural crops namely mango, sapota, citrus grapes , banana and musk melon including beetle nut. The study indicated that C:B ratio was 1.41 for mulberry and 2.72, 3.80, 4.84, 3.78, 2.85, 2.17, 5.09 and 4.01 for mango, sapota, beetle nut, citrus, pomegranate, grapes, banana and musk melon respectively. It also indicated that the C:B ratio of mulberry is coming down drastically mainly due to labour and high initial cost, though Rs.1.0 lakh/ac. is being provided towards construction of rearing shed, mulberry saplings cost, drip equipments etc., by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh as subsidy. The initial investment for mulberry is so high (nearly Rs. 3.0 lakhs) that small and marginal farmers are unable to take up mulberry cultivation while large farmers are facing labour problems. The study also indicates that the shift to horticultural crops is to avoid labour problems and also due to more income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. were collected from different mulberry growing districts of Tamil Nadu. Among the five isolates, Coimbatore isolate took five days to cover the entire plate. The same isolate also produced a maximum number of sclerotia on solid and liquid medium when compared to other isolates. These isolates were also analysed through RAPD markers for genetic diversity. A similarity matrix and Jacard's similarity coefficient between isolates indicated that these five isolates showed 66-80% similarity coefficient. The five isolates were separated into two clusters, namely A and B. Again cluster A is divided into two clusters, namely A1 and A2. The cluster A1 contains isolates of Erode and Dindigul. These two exhibit 72.5% similarity coefficient. The cluster A2 represents isolate Coimbatore and Salem isolate which exhibited a similarity coefficient of 80%. Cluster B contains Dharmapuri isolate which differed from other isolates of Erode, Dindigul, Coimbatore and Salem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina were isolated from root rot disease affected mulberry gardens in south India. Pathogenicity trials exhibited that the different isolates (AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09) were found pathogenic to mulberry causing root rot disease. The results revealed that the sprouting percentage was significantly decreased (21.39 - 44.28%), while root rot disease severity was found to be markedly increased (71.0 - 100%). Thus the different isolates viz., AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09 fulfilled the Koch postulates. However, it was evident that the isolates (AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09) have exhibited variation in their virulency and the isolate AP-03 was found to be most virulent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf yield loss in mulberry due to Macrophomina root rot disease was assessed in three different states of south India at field level. The highest leaf yield loss recorded was in V-1 variety (34.74%), whereas the lowest leaf yield loss was in K-2 variety (28.54%). However, the leaf yields losses in other varieties viz., MR-2 (32.90%), S-36 (32.06%), RFS-175 (31.75%) and S-13 (29.0%) recorded were medium. The average leaf yield loss was 31.49% due to root rot disease caused by M. phaseolina in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germplasm evaluation is essential in any crop improvement program and genetic characterization at morphological and molecular level is very vital for breeding programs to be successful. Twenty six cultivated and local genotypes of mulberry were subjected to diversity analysis with RAPD markers. Among the total 31 RAPD primers studied, 24 were polymorphic and 7 were monomorphic. Of the total 197 loci obtained from 24 polymorphic primers, 110 loci (55.83%) were polymorphic and 87 (44.16%) were monomorphic. A clear grouping was seen among the cultivated genotypes based on yield with varieties like S36, V1, S54 and M5 showing proximity to each other and sharing a close similarity. Local genotypes are rich reservoirs of resistant gene sources and are well acclimatized to the prevailing environmental conditions. Utilization of these along with other high yielding varieties will produce various combinations of resistance sources which can be incorporated into high yielding varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Morus sp.) is extensively cultivated for rearing silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) for production of silk. As the mulberry leaf is rich in nutritive value with 22-24% protein, the studies on its use other than silkworm rearing are gaining importance in recent years. To utilize the mulberry leaf for alternative purposes other than silkworm rearing, a study for utilizing mulberry as a poultry feed supplement was conducted at CSRTI, Mysore. Broiler chicks (Breed: COB-400) were raised on four different test rations supplemented with different levels of mulberry leaf powder viz., 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20% and data on initial body weight, final body weight, feed consumption, etc., were recorded. The results revealed that the highest mean body weight after the growth period of six weeks was recorded in 10% supplementation. The highest feed consumption per bird was in control followed by 5, 10, 15 and 20%. The maximum feed conversion ratio at six weeks of growth was in 10%, suggesting that the mulberry leaf powder supplementation at 10% would cut down the cost of poultry feed. This is the first report on this aspect in India, which would benefit the poultry farmer in economizing the cost of meat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Asia shows moderate species richness of mulberry (Morus L.) today, unfortunately no mulberry fossil has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of this continent to date. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of leaf remains (both impression and compression) having similarity with modern leaves of Morus from the early Eocene sedimentary sequences of the Gurha opencast lignite Mine, western Rajasthan, India. The fossil specimens characterized by a heart-shaped ovate lamina, cordate base, long petiole, crenate–serrate margin, actinodromous nature of primary veins and craspedodromous type of secondary venation pattern are recognized as Morus asiatica Patel, Rana and Khan sp. nov. This record suggests that mulberry was an important component of tropical–subtropical evergreen forests growing in a warm humid climate in the area of north-western India during the Eocene. This taxon subsequently declined from the local present-day dry and desertic vegetation probably because of the drastic climate and latitudinal change in the area, related to the Himalayan Orogeny and rainfall seasonality since the Eocene. • First ever fossil record of mulberry from India and Southeast Asia. • Fossil foliar details compared with those of extant examples. • Tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions prevailed at time of deposition. • Discuss possible reasons for extinction of Morus from the present-day vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-five indigenous mulberry germplasm were evaluated for growth and yield traits in a partial balanced lattice design at Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India. The leaf yield performance showed high variation among the mulberry accessions. Analysis of variance on growth and yield showed significant variation among the accessions for all the traits. Seasonal variation was also observed in respect of leaf yield. The interaction between accession and season was highly significant for all traits. The coefficient of variation was maximum for single leaf weight (36.32%) and minimum for leaf moisture content (2.08%). The correlation coefficient analysis indicated significant association of leaf yield and other growth traits. The number of branches per plant, length of the longest shoot, total shoots length, leaf moisture content and leaf moisture retention capacity showed associations at different levels of significance with leaf yield. Other traits showed complex relationships with each other. Divergence analysis grouped 25 indigenous mulberry accessions into 7 clusters. Maximum accessions were grouped in cluster I (6 acc.) followed by cluster II (5 acc.) V (5 acc.), VII (4 acc.), IV (3 acc.) and minimum one each in cluster III and VI. The diversity among the accessions measured by inter-cluster distance (D2) showed variation. The cluster group indicates that mulberry accessions were distributed in different clusters irrespective of geographical distribution. The CIMMYT selection index shows that mulberry accession MI-0416 performed better among the accessions studied followed by MI-0308, MI-0376, MI-0437 and MI-0310. Other accessions showed higher index value that is less suitable for selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal incidence of major mulberry pests was studied in sub-tropical climatic conditions during 2001-03 in Doon valley and found it varied from season to season. The leaf roller (Diaphania pulverulentalis, Hampson) and Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilarctia obliqua Wlk.) have been reported as two major pests causing serious damage to mulberry plantations. D. pulverulentalis was predominant in the months of August, September and October. The maximum percent infestation was observed during the month of September, 2003. The infestation of S. obliqua was reported during the months of March, April, September, October and November. The peak period of infestation was noticed in September followed by October. Tukra caused by a mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green) was also reported in the months of April, May, June and July in mulberry plantation. Maximum percentage of infestation was found during the month of June. Thrips (Pseudodendrothrips mori Niwa) is a polyphagous major pest of mulberry causing concern to sericulturists all over India. Thrips affects only tender leaves (newly sprouted) during the months of February and July and the maximum percentage of infestation was noticed during the month of February. Mites (Tetranychus spp.) were also reported during the months of July and August. Myllocerus cyanura was reported during the months of July, August, September and April. M. cyanura is well distributed in sub-tropical areas and predominant in the lower temperature zones and was reported from Sheesambara, Dehradun and Bagheswar from April to May. Infestation of termites (Odontotermes obsesus) was also recorded throughout the year in mulberry plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the four species of mulberry available in India, Morus laevigata and M. serrata are wild and possess unique features of bigger leaf size, higher leaf moisture and moisture retention, higher protein and carbohydrate with greater adaptability to adverse climatic condition. In an effort to transfer these traits to cultivated species, inter-specific hybridization was effected between M. indica (var. Kanva-2) and M. laevigata as well as M. indica (var. Kajli) and M. serrata. The present communication reports the successful hybridization of mulberry involving wild and cultivated species. M. laevigata was collected from natural populations of Andaman Islands and M. serrata from northwestern Himalayan belt. After repeated trial of hybridization, successful F1 seeds were obtained in both the crosses. The F1 seeds were sown for seedling and behaviour studies. The F1 plant (M. indica x M. laevigata) showed better performance than the female parent in most of the characters, while it was better than male parent for a few characters. In another cross, the F1 plant (M. indica x M. serrata) showed better performance than both parents for most of the characters. The crosses are expected to carry some genetic load, as the wild species were genetically and geographically distant and carry valuable genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar diseases cause substantial loss in the production and quality of mulberry foliage. Among the various foliar diseases, leaf rust caused by Cerotelium fici constitutes the greatest epidemiological constraint affecting almost all the popular mulberry cultivars cultivated in India. The present study was undertaken to understand the influence of various epidemiological factors on disease development in seven promising mulberry cultivars namely, Local, K2, S13, S34, S36, S54 and MR2 during summer, rainy and winter seasons for three consecutive years. Disease development and its progress were greatly influenced by crop age and weather factors such as maximum and minimum temperature, percentage of relative humidity, cumulative rainfall and total rainy days. Correlation and regression studies indicate that all the variables related to weather factors and crop age were significantly and positively correlated with disease initiation and its development. With increasing crop age, a significant increase in disease severity was recorded in all the mulberry cultivars. The relationship between the crop age and its influence on disease development was better explained by non-linear quadratic function i.e., Y = 0.003x 2 + 0.004x - 1.60 and Y = 0.005x 2 - 0.170x - 2.09 in rainy and winter seasons, respectively by showing coefficient determination (R 2 ) more than 90% in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry, Morus spp. has a wide range of use, the chief among them is to feed the silk producing caterpillar Bombyx mori L. (Bombycidae; Bombycoidea). As a homeland of mulberry, India has a number of indigenous mulberry species, of which a few are widely cultivated. In the present investigation genetic distance among such eleven mulberry cultivars originated from six different states of India covering a wide geographic area extending from 15° N to 32° N latitude and 72°E to 89°E longitude was studied using inter-simple sequence repeat primers. Out of the 20 primers tested, 13 primers, viz, nine di-nucleotide, three tri-nucleotide and one penta-nucleotide repeats, gave clear and reproducible band profiles. While the (AT)n rich primers could not amplify the DNA, the (GA)n, (AC)n and (AG)n rich primers gave excellent amplification profiles. The genetic distance among the cultivars varied from a minimum of 0.053, between Punjab local and Bombay local, to a maximum of 0.431, between Almora local and Sujanpur-5. Clustering of the cultivars according to nearest neighbor method created three groups. The north-Indian cultivars made a separate and distinct group while the cultivars originated from eastern and southern India occupied a distinct position. Almora local was found quite different from others. The first two canonical functions identified through discriminant function analysis accounted for 91.2% of the total variability. Distribution of cultivars belonging to six different zones on canonical matrix realized from Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) revealed wider variability for West Bengal, Karnataka and Punjab which reaches the group centroids of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. This attests to the past contribution of West Bengal in east and Karnataka in south towards development of mulberry cultivars in different parts of India. Step-wise linear regression analysis, further, identified two markers (825.1400 and 835.750) associated with leaf yield, which also satisfied the Beta estimation, thereby testifying strong association of these two markers with leaf yield. This finding along with the classification of the eleven cultivars bear strong relevance to mulberry breeding for different agro climatic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted to know the constraints in adoption of recommended technologies in Mulberry Sericulture using personal interview method in two tehsils of Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It was found that among the constraints expressed by the farmers of mulberry sericulture, high input cost ranked first followed by lack of irrigation facilities whereas the constraint ‘scattered field’ was ranked as last according to the responses obtained from mulberry sericulturists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three mulberry genotypes viz., S13, M5 and Berhampur local commonly grown by sericulture farmers of Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh were tested for their relative resistance to leaf spot disease caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae. Of the three genotypes evalnated S13 variety was found resistant, M5 variety was moderately resistant and Berhampur local was highly susceptible to the disease. Leaf-spot disease of mulberry was found to be more prevalent in rainy season than in summer and winter ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]