Abstract

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is the perennial food plant for mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L). It is distributed throughout India as well as in other countries. Due to open pollination, species and varieties of Morus are normally genetically diverse. The characters of mulberry genotypes are influenced by genetic constitution, climate and their geographical origin. In general, mulberry plant sprouts after pruning. A total of seventy eight genotypes collected from different parts of India and abroad (both temperate and tropical genotypes), have been maintained as trees under rain-fed conditions in the Germplasm Bank of Regional Sericultural Research Station, Sahaspur, Dehra Dun. Observations on sprouting behavior and flowering period of sixty genotypes were recorded during the year 2006-2007. During winter season, genotypes viz, Local, S1635, C1726, S146, L 6 and L1 were found to sprout earlier while genotypes S790, Rakokayaso and Gosheorami were found to sprout later. Flowering period was lower by 9 days in MS2 while higher by 18 days in S741, C763, C1730 and L1. During summer season genotypes S741, Kokaso 27, Local, MS2, S 642, Sujanpur, C776, Tr4, C741 and Ichinose were found to sprout earlier while genotype Gosheorami was found to sprout later. Flowering period was lower by 5 days in MR2 and S523 while higher by 14 days in Ichinose, S1686 and S1608. The information gathered from such studies will facilitate the breeders to identify the potential genotypes suitable for particular condition and also for further utilization in breeding programmes for development of suitable mulberry varieties for Doon Valley.

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