Mulberry leaf sprouting as an indicator of spring rearing

Twenty varieties of mulberry were observed for spring phenology (leaf characters only). Two groups were identified, early sprouting type (var. Chak Majra, Tr 10, Sujanpur, C763 etc.) and late sprouting type (var. Ichinose, Rokokayoso, Enshutakasuki, Goshoerami etc.) In the early group leaf maturity coincided with spring rearing. Late group leaf matured much after rearing season. The sprouting could also be utilized for timing of silkworm seed release, incubation and brushing.