Phytomorphology and nutrient dynamics of mulberry leaf

The present study on the topic “Phytomorphology and nutrient dynamics of mulberry leaves” revealed high variability among mulberry varieties. Internodes were largest in variety Tr4 (6.06%). Actual leaf area was high in variety S146 (275.57 cm2). Numbers of leaves per meter branch was largest in variety S1531 (20.9). During 5 periodic sampling from sprouting to maturity average fresh and dry leaf weight of 100 leaves was high (197.93g) and (60.24g) respectively during 5th sampling. Average moisture content was high (83.41%) during 1^st sampling highest average chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was also observed during 4^th sampling (40.01%). Acidity was also high in variety Tr₄ during maturity. Sugar content was high in variety T1 (3.66%) during 1^st sampling (15 days). Starch and ash content was high in variety S1708 (43.06%) and (32.50%) during 5th sampling. Nitrogen and protein content was highest in variety S1608 (5.02%) and (31.56%) respectively during 1^st sampling.

In the field-laboratory investigation was conducted at Division of Sericulture and Division of Biochemistry & Plant Physiology, SKUAST-J, Chatha, during spring 2013. Ten mulberry varieties T1, Tr4, V1, S146, S1708, S799, S1608, S1531, S41 and Sujanpur were evaluated for phytomorphological and nutrient dynamic studies. The experiment was laid in Complete Randomized Block Design with three replicates. Each variety was taken as treatment and observations were recorded after 15 days interval upto 75^th day after sprouting.

On the basis of current result, parameter observed fluctuations from the date of sprouting till maturity. Varietal response to periodic sampling too varied. Protein decreases age along with sugar, nitrogen. On the contrary starch, biomass, ash, chlorophyll shown a gradual increase. This information can be utilized to harvest a particular type of leaf for a particular age and rearing.