Introduction

Mulberry trees are perennial, live for number of years either in cultivated or wild conditions.
Depending on the type of cultivation the plant is grown as a bush, tree or a middling. The
branching nature of a plant is once again influenced by type of cultivation, mode of training,
soil fertility, rainfall and environmental conditions. However profuse branches are must for
producing more amount of leaf to feed silk worms. Since the cost of production of cocoons
reflects the efficiency of leaf production, utilization of leaf by silk worms.
The mulberry can be grown under various types of climatic conditions. The climatic
conditions and rainfall are favors the luxuriant growth of Mulberry. The leaf quality has
positive effect on the quality of cocoons which directly influence the silk yarn quality.
Mulberry leaf protein is the source for the silk worm to bio-synthesize the silk which is made
up of two proteins, fibroin and sericin. The nutritive value and palatability of each species /
variety of mulberry varies with the age of the leaf, type of cultivation, harvesting methods,
and duration of storage, season fertilizer and irrigation schedules.
Thus, the success of good quality cocoon yield totally depends upon proper planning and
maintenance of mulberry garden / plant. Thus, CSB has recommended certain specific
mulberryvarieties to suit the eco climatic conditions of particular area.
Distribution of Mulberry
Mulberry plant is distributed all over the world. It can be grown in temperate and
tropical regions. Mulberry cultivation is adapted traditionally by Japan, China, S. Korea,
Russia, India, Brazil, France, Spain, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Hungary,
Egypt, Syria, Burma, Poland, Thailand, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Vietnam, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan, Rumania, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc. The sericulture belt can be divided into
two zones in the world I. Temperate II. Tropical zone. The countries fall under temperature
zone producing uni- voltine cocoons are Japan, China, Korea, Northern India, Burma, Iran,
Turkey, South of Rumania, Lebanon, Greece, Rumania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Spain,
Italy, France and Poland. The tropical zone stretches from 300 north latitude and contains
polyvoltine silk worms. India is the only country to produce all the four types of silk viz.,
Mulberry, Tassar, Eri and Muga and 90% of silk produced in India is Mulberry.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamilnadu and Manipur states are at the top
under Mulberry area known as Philippine variety. Kadambi (1949) reported that many of the
Mulberry varieties were introduced into India from China, Europe, Japan or Philippines.
The classification of Indian mulberry varieties are different types. According to Mukerjee
(1899), Morus.laevigata and M.indica are the varieties of M. laevigata and M. Serrata as a
separate species and regarded the M. Laevigata, M. Sinensis, M. Philippinensis, M.
Multicaults and M. indica are the varities of M. alba.
Based on the principles of classification made by Hotta (1954), Gururajan (1960) adapted all
the cultivated forms of Mulberry into three species.
1. M. latifolia - This includes mulberry tree grown in U.P. and Kashmir.
2. M. alba - This includes mulberry bushes cultivated in Tamilnadu and Mysore.
3. M. bombycis - This includes Berhampur variety.
Morus alba
Cultivated in Punjab, North, and West Himalayas ascending to 3500 m. The trees grow to
height of 10-15m.and of wild and cultivated for their fruits and timber.
Morus indica
Most of the Indian of mulberry belong to this species. They are moderate size deciduous
trees, distributed in the lower Himalayan and sub-Himalayan tracts from Kashmir to in the
other regions in India, particularly in and Assam and then southern plateau in Karnataka and
Tamilnadu ascending upto1500M. There are several varieties falling under this species,
raised mostly as bushes.
Morus serrata
This species grows as trees up to height of 20 to 25m with a trunk girth of about 9mt. In
temperate Himalayas from Kuma on Hills westward, up to an attitude of 3000m.
Morus lavigata
This species is distributed in tropical regions from Indus valley to Assam wild cultivated
ascending to 1500M.
Selection of Mulberry variety for a particular region plays an important role. Based on the
existing environment, soil, climatic conditions, season and region specific an improved,
superior mulberry varieties should be recommended for a particular region .
There are large number of newly evolved and their parental varieties of mulberry are
available in germplasm banks. The popular varieties which are cultivated in different parts of
India are
Kanva-2 Berhampur local Mysore local
Sujanpura-1 S1 Sujanpura-2
MR-2(Mildew Sujan pur-3 Assambola
resistant variety)
Sujanpur-4 Anantha (high yielding Sujanpur-5
variety recommended
for south India)
AR-12(alkaline Dhar local Kotia
resistant variety)
Botatul C763 S146
Tsaritul S799 S-13 (Drought
resistant)
Maulanium S-36 (Suitable for S-54
chawki rearing)
V1 G2 & G4 (Better than
V1)
Also, it can be seen that developing high yielding mulberry varieties have a significant role to
play in the success of mulberry cultivation. In 1960’s the production of mulberry leaves was
approximately 15 MT/ha/year under irrigated and 3 MT/ha/year under rainfed conditions;
with that of the present scenario with the high yielding varieties capable of producing leaf
yield ranging from 30-60 MT/ ha/year under irrigated and 10-15 MT/ha/year under rainfed
conditions. Earlier, mulberry variety Kanva-2 was predominantly used for establishing a
mulberry garden in South India. Mulberry variety Kanva-2, yields 32-35 MT of leaf/ha/year
under irrigated conditions. Now high yielding varieties like S-36 and later by Victory-1 (V-1),
which has spread in over 33,000 hectares in South India are replacing Kanva-2. Variety V-1 is
also gaining popularity in other states of India.

Systematic position of mulberry

Kingdom : Plant kingdom
Division : Phanerogamae
Sub division : Angiospermae
Class : Di-cotyledons
Sub clan : Monochlamydae
Series : Uni sexuales
Family : Moraceae
Genus : Morus
Species : alba

The following characteristics are found in mulberry plant.

Characteristics of Angiosperms
The angiosperms or flowering plants are all plants with flowers and fruit and are the most
recently evolved of all plant groups. They are also the most diverse and abundant plants
throughout the globe and have come to dominate many of the world’s forests. Angiosperms
can be defined as vascular plants with seeds, fruit, and flowers for reproduction.
Angiosperms have a unique relationship with animals that other plants do not. Many
angiosperm species rely on interaction between animals and their flowers for reproduction.
As insects, birds or other animals move from one flower to another feeding on nectar, they
commonly distribute pollen from flower to flower as they go which leads to plants being
pollinated and seeds to be produced. Animals can also play a role in the dispersal of many
angiosperm species by feeding on the fruit of the plant and carrying the seeds to new
locations. Subsequent to pollination of the stigma and fertilization of ovules, maturation of
capillary tissues occurs with the ovules developing in to seeds and the ovary wall into the
fist.
Class: Dicotyledons
The name Dicotyledons owes its origin to the typically two cotyledons present in embryos of
members of this class. Plants are herbaceous or woody stems with vascular elements
arranged either in a hallow cylinder around the relating small pith. In woody dicot stems the
sheath of cambium is situated close to the bark between the xylem and phloem. Leaves,
typically with netted venation of the palmate type. Flowers, basically with parts in multiples
of 4 or 5.
Sub class: Monochlamydae
Embryo centered round the endosperm, ovule usually one. Series: Uni sexuales: Flowers are
unisexual.
Family: Moraceae
A Family of 53 genera and 1,400 species mostly in the tropical and subtropical regions but a
few extend into the temperature zone. More than half of the species belongs to a single
genus. In India the family is represented by about 15 years genera and over 150 species
occupations mostly in the tropical and subtropical in the layers and Assam. The best-known
example of Mulberry (Morus Species)
In Moraceae the leaves are alternate, rarely opposite, simple, pinnate, palmate and
stipulate. The stipules are often caduceus and leave a scar, when they fall off. They are small
and lateral forming a cup over the young bud and drop off as the bud unfold.
The inflorescence of each sex is condensed into a pendulous a mentiferous structure.
Inflorescence is reduced to globose head. Peduncles have become coalesced and
dorsiventrally compressed into a laminated receptacle over. The family is characterized by
the presence of milky latex, and single ovule.
Systematic Position:
Mulberry belongs to plant kingdom division Phanerogami sub division Angiosperm,
dicotyledons, family Moracae.
Mulberry belongs to the genus Morus there are 35 spices of Morus. More than thousand
species of plants belonging to the family Moraceae. It includes wild and cultivated forms,
some of which are sterile. The method of classification of mulberry species is based on
“Genome constituent”, an external character like leaves, flowers and fruits etc.
Ledebour (1846-1851) classified Morus alba and M.nigra on the basis of papillae and
pubescence on the stigma. While Brandis (1996) classified the mulberry species into two
sections by the length of its style. Hoho divided mulberry species into two groups on the
shape and situation of cystolith cells in leaves.
In India there are many kinds of spices of which Morus alba, Morus indica, Morus lavigata,
Morus serrata are widely growing in Himalayas. The classification of Indian mulberry
varieties is also much confused. Based on the principles of classification adopted by Hotta
(1954), Gururajan (1960), they devided the mulberry varieties into three spices i.e Morus
alba, (Mysore, Tamilnadu, A.P) M.bombysis (Berhampur varieties) M.latifolia (Kashmir,
U.P).
Morphology and Taxonomy of Mulberry
Morphology of Mulberry
Mulberry belongs to the family Moraceae and genus morus. 35spices belongs to the genus
morus. Each species shows some variations. According to Hoocer (1985) the description of
the genus morus is as follows
Habitat
Mulberry grows as a tree or shrub, but in cultivation it is raised as bush by pruning. The
plant is perennial, with highly branching root and shoot system with primary, secondary and
tertiary branches. The branching character varies from type of cultivation, mode of training,
rain fall and fertility of soil, it grows up to the height of 22-25 mts. With girth about 8 mts.
The bust attains a hight of 1.5-1.8 mts which would be ideal for leaf harvest.
Stem
The colour of the bark varies from green, grey to pink or brown. Colour varies and depends
upon the species, climate and origin. Mysore local K2, Berhampur local are white to grayish
white in
color. Each axial of a leaf has a bud. Sometime two or more buds on sides are shown and are
called accessory buds.The axillary buds are green which turn brown at later stage. The
axillary buds of the scale leaves of the main bud peep out of the bud these are called scale
buds. Buds are protected by the covering of young leaves. The growing points emerging as a
shoot under favorable climatic conditions. The buds are two types–vegetative and
reproductive buds. Like leaves and branches reproductive parts like reproductive buds
produce male and female inflorescence in addition to leaves. Winter resisting in buds may
be attributed to low temperature, nitrogen deficiency, and investigation of enzymes due to
excessive accumulation of carbohydrates during photoperiod.The auxins are responsible for
dormancy in bud.
Leaf: The leaf size and shapes are different according to the Mulberry varieties. The hybrid
leaves such as Kanva -2, S 54, S 36, S 30, S 34 are characterized by large leaves, while
Mysore local bear small leaves.
The leaves are simple, alternate, stipulate and petiolate. The stipule protects young leaf, as
leaf matures the stipule drops out. The leaf may glossy and the texture of the leaf may be
entire lobed or rarely of both types are found on the same twig.
The leaf lamina is usually glabrous. The thickness of the leaf is about 100-200mm. The shape
of leaf may be cordate or straight and truncate. The leaf tip is acute. The leaf margin maybe
serrate,
dentate. The venation of the leaf is multi costate, reticulate. The leaf surface epidermal cells
covered with cuticle and upper epidermal contains idioblast cells. It contain scystolith, non-
crystalline lime, CaCo3 are present.
Inflorescence
In mulberry inflorescence is a catkin more than ten flowers grow around rachis, being
attached to the axial of new shoots. This type of inflorescence is called spike or catkin. The
peduncle bearing unisexual flowers, the inflorescences is auxiliary.
Flower
The flowers are unisexual (plants monoecious or dioecious) actinomorphic and hypogynous
to epigynous. The parianth consists of usually four persistent, free of united petals which
are valuate or imbricate in bud. The perianth sometimes absent as in female flowers of
some species. The stamens are four, arranged opposite to perianth leaves. The filaments of
the stamens are bent inward in bud condition.
Each stamen has a broad filament and narrow top on which two anther lobes are fixed,
anthers are dithers. The pollen grains are round, dry, light and dust like with smooth exine.
When bud opens, become straightened suddenly and androecium opens with great force
and pollens are scattered from the anther.
After pollination male catkin becomes pink, in the female flower the gynoecium consists of
basically two syncarpous carpels. The posterior carpel shows various degree of abortion or
rarely is it normally developed. The ovary is superior unilocular with a solitary and
pendulous from the apex. The styles are mostly two and filiform. Sometimes rudimentary
stamens are present in the female flowers dries and drops off as whole. The female flowers
also got similar number of parianth leaves arranged in same manner as in male flower.
These leaves persist in the fruit the fertilization stimulates the female flower parianth
material and contribute to form the fruit.
The ovary is superior, bicapellary, syncarpus. Oval, unilocular, with a single pendulously
ovule attached to the margin of the ovary and has a bifid stigma. The length of the style is
botanically significant character in identifying various species of Mulberry. The style is long
in Dolichostylae and short in Macromorus. After pollination and fertilization the entire
inflorescence becomes a multiple fruit.
Pollination
In Mulberry cross pollination takes place by wind. After fertilization the style and stigma fall
down and the ovarian wall swells and changes fleshy making fruit. It is called ‘sorosis’. After
fruit formation, inner part of the ovarian wall becomes endocarp which shows lignifications
and covers seed. The sorosis is green in colour at first and later becomes red and dark
purple. The seed in dark purple–colored sorosis gets the ability to germinate effectively. The
fruits are ovoid to sub-globules in shape measuring 5 cm in length.
Fruits and Seeds
The fruit is a drupe (Morus). The fruit which are enclosed in fleshy perianth are only
aggregated (as Morus). The seeds are non-endospermic or endospermic and generally with
a curved embryo. The mulberry seed is oval shaped with flat surface at the micropyle
region. On one edge an elongated streak hilum is found. The end of hilum has a small pore
known as micropyle through which seed absorbs water when soaked. The seed coat has two
layers, outer hard and brittle testa and inner tegma. The seed kernel consists of endosperm
and embryo which lies curved in the endosperm. The embryo has a primary axis and two
cotyledons. During germination the shoot and radical forms the roots.
The diploid species seeds weight is less than polyploid seeds. The mulberry seeds are
available for longer period at low temperature (5oC) and low relative humidity.
Root
The Mulberry root has taproot, lateral roots and root hairs. The hairs are confirmed to top
of the root. The root surface has many lenticels. The root hair absorbs water and nutrients
from soil and lateral and tap roots transport and pressure water and nutrients. In general,
depending upon the soil condition the roots penetrate to a depth ranging from10 Cm to 50
Cm.
Economic Importance
Morus (Mulberry). The genus has fewer than 10 species in the temperate parts of the
Northern hemisphere and in the mountains of the tropics.
The leaves of some species, especially those of M-alba, M-nigra provide food for silkworm.
The fruit of several species like M-alba, M-nigra, M-lavigata, M-serrarta are edible. They are
refrigerant and laxative.
Sometimes M-alba, M-serrata provide wood which is particularly valuable in the
manufacture of sports goods.
Soil and Climate
Mulberry is a deep- rooted perennial plant. Therefore, the soil on which mulberry garden is
established should be able to supply air, water and nutrients to the plant even from deeper
layers. So, it is very easy to understand that preferably soil of mulberry should be deep and
fertile to support the proper growth of plant. Mulberry is a hardy plant and accordingly it
can be grown in a wide range of soils. Though, mulberry can be grown in different soils, the
clayey loam to loam soils are much preferred. Also, for normal and luxuriant growth of the
plant, soil having a pH ranging from 6.2 to 6.8 (slightly acidic) is ideal. You may try to
understand that pH gives the acidic and alkaline nature of the soil. However, if a soil is
alkaline(morethan7.4pH) or highly acidic (less than 6 pH), the soil can be reclaimed by the
application of gypsum and lime, respectively. In Karnataka, soils are mostly red loamy which
are poor in organic matter. You may also know that mulberry is grown on alluvial soils. It is
important to learn about the land on which the plantation is to be established. For
mulberry, the land should be either flat or slightly sloping. If the land is having a steep slope,
it can be made into rows and terraces.
After soil and land, now let us try to learn about the climates. Remember that earlier you
have learnt that mulberry leaf ranks first in its importance for the success of sericulture. The
second most important factor for the success is climate. Climate can be temperate, sub-
tropical and tropical. Let us know some important aspects of these three climates.
Temperate: A temperate climate can have very changeable weather. One day, it may be
raining, the next it may be sunny. This changeable weather occurs in summer as well as in
winter.
Sub-tropical: These areas have very warm to hot summers, but non-tropical winters.
Tropical: Sun is hot all the year. Mulberry also is affected by hot and cold temperatures.
Temperature ranging from 20o – 30oC suits the growth of mulberry plant. However,
temperature below 13oC and above 40oC affects the growth of the plant.
Knowing more about the altitude can help in establishment of a better mulberry garden. So,
let us know about the altitude. Altitude of a place refers to the height and climate of that
particular place. Mulberry is known to grow between 200 m to 1,200 m altitude above
Mean Sea Level (MSL). However, an altitude of around 700 m above mean sea level is
suitable for good growth of mulberry.
Mulberry requires a good amount of water for its growth. The optimum rainfall (1,000-1,500
mm) of even distribution is known to help in suitable growth of the plant. It may not be
difficult to understand that every plant requires water for its growth, which you may have
observed in the agricultural fields in your town/village. So, mulberry also has the
requirement of water.
The other factor is sunshine. Mulberry prefers sunshine, and shade affects the growth of the
plant. Sunshine ranging from 9 to 13 hours per day is suitable. Probably, you may be
knowing that long hours of sunshine is available in South India due to which mulberry
cultivation can be profitable. Also, the advantage in cultivation of mulberry in South India is
that it can be grown throughout the year.
TYPES OF PLANTATION AND PLANTING SYSTEMS
Briefly, it can be said that desired shape of the plant is an important aspect of mulberry
cultivation as mulberry is a woody plant and produces number of branches. Therefore, it
needs training to keep the plant in good shape. In fact, the training of the plant is done to
suit the management practices. Classification of the types of plantation is based on the
height at which the plant is pruned or cut. Moreover, once the plant is cut, a crown
develops on the plant from where shoots (branches) develop. Fig. 1.6 shows the formation
of a crown. Formation of the crown is an essential aspect in the establishment of a garden. It
has a significant role to play for the shape of the plant and leaf yield. On the basis of the
stump height from which the crown is developed, plantations can be classified as:
1. Low cut (bush) : Crown height - 20-25 cm
2. Medium cut (dwarf) : Crown height - 60-70 cm
3. High cut (tree) : Crown height - 150-175 cm

You may have a look at Fig. 1.7, which shows the bush plantation, and similarly Fig. 1.8 and
Fig. 1.9 shows the dwarf and tree plantation, respectively. In low cut (mostly referred to as
bush), one main stump is allowed to develop and 3-4 well- developed shoots per plant are
allowed to grow and the remaining shoots are removed for the development of proper
crown. Three to four shoots are allowed to develop from each main shoot. It takes a year for
the development of good stump after plantation. For the proper development of plants, leaf
is not harvested for six months after plantation. Similarly, you may note that medium and
high cut mulberry is also trained similarly except that the crown height is maintained as
mentioned above. You may find it interesting to note that in South India, mostly bush type
of plantation is being followed. Bush type of plantation yields significantly more leaf than
dwarf and tree type of plantation.
By now, you know the types of plantation and also know that in South India, mostly bush
type of plantation is being practised. Therefore, it is easy to understand that you shall be
concentrating on bush type of plantation. You may know in the first instance that mulberry
is being cultivated both under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Let us make it clear that
under irrigated conditions, supplementary irrigation is provided when there is insufficient
rainfall. Under rainfed condition, it is entirely dependent on rainfall. You may know that two
systems namely pit system and row system of plantation are being followed in South India.
Under irrigated conditions, mulberry is planted either in “pit system” with wider spacing or
in “row system” in very close spacing. Under rainfed condition, only pit system of plantation
is followed.
a) Pit/Trench System: In pit system, under irrigated conditions, pits of 30x30x30 cm size or
trenches of 25-30 cm depth are prepared along the rows. After the pits/trenches are dug,
saplings of mulberry are planted at a distance of 90 cm from each other. In this system of
plantation, it is possible to accommodate a total of 12,345 plants per hectare of land.
Paired row Plantation:
Now-a-days, planting mulberry in paired rows following (150cm + 90 cm) x 60 cm spacing is
becoming more popular as it facilitates adoption of mechanization for inter-cultivation
operations by using tractor/power tiller. You may find it interesting to know that it
accommodates more number of plants than 90 x 90 cm spacing. In this system, it is possible
to accommodate 13,888 plants per hectare of land. Under rainfed conditions, mulberry is
planted in pits of 35 x 35 x 35 cm size at spacing of 90 x 90 cm. Before planting, the pits are
filled with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or well decomposed compost and sand in a ratio of 2:1.

Fig: Paired row Plantation (All Dimension in Centimeter)

While planting, some precautions are required to be taken. Saplings should be planted in
upright position. Possibly you can yourself imagine that keeping the plants in upright
position will help the establishment of plantation vertically straight and in proper manner.
Once the saplings are planted, the trenches/pits are filled with soil to cover the root system
properly (Fig.).
 Fig: Correct way of Planting
You may also note that pressing of the soil firmly around the sapling will help in proper
establishment of the plant. While preparing the trenches, it is simple to keep top and
bottom soil separate at the time of digging out trenches. While planting, topsoil can be
placed near the root zone. Topsoil is rich in nutrients and placing it near the root zone will
help the better growth of the plant. This technique is simple to execute while planting. For
proper survival of the plant, irrigation should be given immediately. Subsequently, irrigation
can be given as and when required. You may be aware that planting during rainy season can
be helpful.
b) Row System: This is an age-old practice of mulberry plantation in South India under
irrigated condition. In this system of plantation, the ploughed land is thrown into ridges
(rows) and furrows alternatively at a distance of around 60 cm apart from each other and
cuttings are planted at a distance of around 20 cm at the edge of the ridge. It may now look
simple since all other procedures of planting for establishment are same as followed in
pit/trench methods. The row system accommodates 83,000 plants per hectare. You have
already learnt the fact that sufficient sunlight and space are required for the proper growth
of the plants. Hence, it is easier to interpret that wider spacing in between the plants is
beneficial.
c) 3M Plantation
The sole constraint of Paired row plantation is that tractor or power tiller movement is
feasible only along the row and for cross ploughing manual digging or bullock plough must
be used. For cross ploughing with a tractor cultivator or power tiller, CSRTI, Mysore
developed 3M plantation. The following figure shows the schematic diagram of
arrangement of the mulberry plants in 3M plantation. CSRTI, Mysore developed plantation
geometries like Paired row {(90cm + 150cm) x 60 cm} and 3M {(120cm+90cm+90cm) x
(120cm+90cm+90cm)} to facilitate partial and full mechanised operations, respectively in
mulberry gardens.
Fig: 3M Plantation (All Dimension in Centimeter)

D) Tree plantation
The mulberry plants which can grow tall with a crown height of 5 - 6 feet from the ground
level having stem girth of 4 -5 inches or more is called tree mulberry. This method is
generally practiced in rainfed mulberry cultivation where plants were planted in pit system
and can be grown as trees for continuous leaf harvest in tropical areas. In recent times tree
plantation is in practice even in irrigated systems, but utilization of water is minimized, and
quality and quantity of leaf produced is also on par with other methods. Plants established
in this method withstand the drought and various adverse conditions.
Method of plantation:
Pits of size 4’x4’x4’ (L x W x D) are prepared with spacing of 10’x10’ or 8’x8’ between the
plants and row. The saplings of 8 - 10 months old are specially raised are selected for
planting and are planted in pits by half filling with equal quantities of red earth, sand and
FYM. Plants are irrigated with drip method, at least 2 lit of water/day is given to each plant.
With this spacing we can accommodate 400 to 450 plants in1acre of land. Initially single
shoot is allowed to grow to the height of 6-7 feet and are pruned at the tip of plants. Later
lateral branches at the tip are only allowed to grow remaining are removed. Like that plant
is trained to grow as tree, repeated pruning at the top allow plant for profuse branching.
Shoots can be harvested after every 45-50 days like irrigated bush system. Second year
onwards leaf produced on each tree can feed 1 laying of worms ie., 450-500 silkworms.
Therefore with one acre tree plantation 400-500 plants one can rear 400 -500 Disease Free
Layings (silkworm eggs) Male and female flowers (DFLs).
Propagation of Mulberry Plants
Mulberry is propagated by both sexual asexual methods. Sexual method involves
propagation through seeds. Among the asexual methods, vegetative propagation is easy and
mostly used in South India.
 Propagation

Sexual Asexual

Seeds Cutting Grafting Layering

Root Shoot Bud Air Simple Trench

Wedge Crown Whip Patch Budding Flute Budding T Budding

Sexual Propagation
In this mulberry is propagated through seeds. This method is very easy and cheap. Sexual
propagation is mainly to bring about a varied population for selection and hybridization. The
seeds are used to obtain stock material for grafting. It is also suitable for large-scale
multiplication. But long gestation period to provide learner for silkworm rearing and
desirable traits of improved cultivars cannot be perpetuated.
Seed Collection
Seeds are collected from ripe fruits in March-April in tropical region and May-June in
temperate region. There is no dormancy in mulberry seeds. They lose viability with the
passage of time. If preserved beyond three months, Seeds should be stored in a sealed air-
tight container kept in a cool place.
However freshly harvested seeds have highest germination ability. Squeeze the fruits to
separate pulp from the seeds. The floating seeds are removed along with water and heavier
seeds settled down are collected carefully and dried on a blotting paper. The mulberry seeds
are small and about 300,000 seeds are required to fill one litre volume.
Nursery plots
Plants grown from a seed is called seedling and are grown in a nursery. The nursery plot is
selected preferably under shade in the farm. The soil is thoroughly dug to prepare to a fine
tilt. The sowing medium is prepared by mixing equal quantities of red earth, sand and FYM.
Nursery beds of 0.9 M size are prepared with a provision to protect young seedling form
excessive light and temperature.
Sowing of seeds
The mulberry seeds are soaked for a day in water to soften the hard testa for easy and
successful germination. Seeds are broadcast or sown in holes in nursery beds. Sowing is
carried with the help of rope so as to make the holes in a line. The seeds should not sow
deeper than 2.5 cm to avoid delay in germination or total failure. A distance of 2-3cm
between rows and 1 cm between seeds is advisable for better germination. After sowing,
holes are covered with soft soil and water is applied gently.
Seed germination
The environmental conditions i.e., temperature, light play vital role in seed germination.
Therefore seed beds are covered with dams made of bamboo strips or palm or coconut
leaves to protect from severe sun. The protective mats are placed one foot above the
nursery beds on pegs fixed around them. In our conditions seeds germinate after ten days.
Low temperature and coloured light delays seed germination.
Seedlings
Seedlings require proper nutrition for uniform growth. Thus, the seedlings of 3.5-5cm height
are picked from dense areas and planted in thin areas. During cool hours of the day and on
cloudy days direct sunlight is allowed to fall on the seedlings to enhance plant growth. After
three months of age seedlings are transplanted with a distance of 22 cm between the
plants. They can be either used for grafting (stock plant) or allowed to grow for two years to
raise tree plantations.
Asexual Propagation
It is the most popular method adopted in moriculture. It favours to utilize vegetative parts
of a plant to grown them into a individual plant. This propagation method is very easy
though it is technical. There are different methods to utilize branches, buds, roots in this
propagation.
Cuttings
Most of the tropical varieties of mulberry can be easily propagated on large scale through
cuttings. It is easiest, common and popular method in India. But this method is restricted to
acclimatized local varieties. The plants are selected on the basis of nutritious leaf, high yield,
quick growth resistance to diseases and insect pests and drought resistant varieties.
This propagation is easy, cheap and quick. Mulberry being a cross pollinated plant, the
improved traits of the cultivar are retained by this method. Shoots of proper maturity, 8-10
months old, with active and well-developed buds are selected. Over mature and tender tips
are rejected. The branch must have 10-12 mm in diameter. The cutting of, 18-20cm long
with three or four active buds are prepared with a sharp implement so that neither the bark
nor the wood portion is damaged. The ends must be slant (45 deg), without damaging the
bark or splitting base.
Mulberry cuttings for rain-fed farms should be 20-24 cm long and have 5-6 buds. Similarly,
those intended for irrigated farms are should be 18-20 cm long with 3-4 buds.
These cuttings can be planted in the field directly or in nursery beds. In case of nursery, care
must be taken to avoid drying. After two or three months, sprouted cuttings are
transplanted into the field.
Development of roots
The roots develop from the basal end of the cuttings. The roots develop endogenously. The
root initials developed initially finally produce root primordium so as to form root tip, which
grows outward and emerges at right angles to the stem. Simultaneously callus tissue
develops at the basal end of the cutting and becomes stem of the future plant.
Fig: Development of Buds and Roots
Nursery is the better choice for growing cuttings which are later transplanted into the fields.
This method avoids gaps in the field which is common in direct plantations. The cuttings can
also be well preserved when the field is not ready for plantation. They are bundled and
stored in deep pits (one foot depth) or in sand, then are wet by sprinkling water with regular
intervals. The latent buds are activated and callus develops. After preparing the field they
are uprooted and planted in the field.
Growth regulators
Root hormones are used to certain mulberry varieties which don’t produce roots from
cuttings. This is followed in temperate regions. The rooting capacity is considerably
improved by growth regulators. Plant growth regulators are complex organic compounds
other than nutrients. Which when applied in a minute quantity, are able to promote or
inhibit growth. They are Indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), Naphthalene
acetic acid (NAA), 2,4 –Dichloro phenoxy Acetic (2, 4-D), rootone, senadix.
The chemicals act like auxins and promote root development. These chemicals are applied
in the following methods.
a. Quick dip method
b. Prolong dips method
c. Powder method
d. Paste method
These chemicals increase cell division rate which is not possible in few plants due to the
non- viability of these substances. However duration of treatment has a considerable effect
on the root formation in lower and higher concentrations.
Grafting method
It is a technical joining of a branch of one plant into a rooted plant in such a way that they
unite with an organic union formed in between them, and finally grow as one plant. It is
practiced where the plant cannot be propagated through cutting, because of poor rooting.
SCION - The plant part of the graft combination which is to become the upper portion of the
shoot system of the new plant.
STOCK - The lower plant part with root base, which supports and supplies nutrients to scion,
to grow as new plant.
Thus, the stock must be a local, handy variety and scion is selected from the desired or
indigenous variety. The total strength of the future plant variety depends on the stock as it
alone influences the growth.
Thus, the stock should be in a more advanced stage of growth than the scion. This method
facilitates to get desirable qualities which cannot be propagated by other means.
Basic principles of grafting
Compatibility of stock and scion
Maximum cambial contact between scion and stock
Local adaptability of stock and superiority of scion.
Selection of plants
The stock should be from 1-2 years old seedling. It should be healthy and highly resistant to
diseases and pests with rich root growth. Stock should be slightly bigger or same size as that
of scion. Scions are chosen from one year old plants. Only middle parts of shoots are used
leaving the top and base regions. The leaves from these plants should not have been
plucked during the previous year. Further it should have narrow and compact pith.
Formation of graft union
 Establishment of contact of large area of cambial region of both the stock and scion.
 Production and interlocking of parenchyma cells (callus tissue) both the stock and
scion.
 Differentiation of new cambium across the callus bridge.
 Formation of xylem and phloem from the new vascular cambium in the callus bridge.
The insertion of scion into the stock establishes organic union by the formation of secondary
vascular tissue. The cell division increases to form callus tissue during proper temperature
i.e., 20-400C. Further it is necessary to maintain high humidity. Depending upon the type of
material used, its nature age and portion of the stock, grafts are of the following types:
wedge and crown grafting, whip, root, bud grafting. The grafting clay is prepared with two
parts of clay, one part cow dung and chopped hay mixed with water.

Shoot grafting
The scion is inserted into the stock stem is called shoot or stem grafting. It is of many types.

Wedge grafting is a method to remove the old plant. The plant is pruned at a
convenient height and a ‘V’ shaped incision in made at the cut surface. The basal
region of scions cut obliquely to fit in the incision made on the stock plant. The scion
is inserted into the stock and grafting wax/clay is applied. Grafting wax is prepared
with a mixture of tallow part, bee wax one part and resin four parts melted together
and baked with small dough under water.

Crown grafting is a method where more than one scion is inserted into the stock to
get a bushy plant.

Whip grafting a slope cut is given to a length of 3.5 to cm to the stock of 1.2 to 2.5
cm thick. The scion of same size is cut in similar process so as to fit in the stock, and
inserted into the stock and tied firmly with soft fibre. The site of join is sealed with
grafting wax or clay.
Fig: Different Methods of Grafting
Root grafting
The root is used as a stock instead of shoot. Roots of 0.6 to 2.5 cm thick are selected from a
local, one year old seedling and cut into pieces of 5 to 7.5 cm long. The top end is cut
obliquely. The scion of 8 to 10cm long, little thinner than stock and with two or three buds is
prepared. The basal end should be oblique with the end tapering to provide a stiff tongue.
The scion is inserted at the pointed end of the stock between wood and bark. While
inserting the bark at the pointed end of the scion is removed. The cut ends of both stock
and scion should be in the same direction thus cambial layers are in close proximity to each
other. The exposed cut is covered with a thin layer of wax and no bandage is required.
These grafts are planted in a well prepared nursery bed so that 1 or 2 buds of the scion are
above the soil. Water is applied regularly. The developing plant possesses scion characters.
This method is simple, highly efficient, easy, quick economical and good for root
development. The percentage of success is more and an individual can prepare 800-1000
grafts in eight hours. A two year old seedling given five to six stocks and all can be used as
grafts to get five to six plants, which minimizes cost of labour. But it is necessary to remove
the latent buds completely.

Fig: Root Grafting

In the “in situ” grafting method, the scion is grafted on to the root of existing plant, without
disturbing the root from its original place. Though a more vigorous plant is obtained but
only one graft is developed from a seedling. Further, it is necessary to take care in cutting
the root below
the transitional zone, to prevent sprouting from the region of the local stock plant. The
method of doing is same as root grafting.
Bud grafting or Budding
It is a better method when the scion material is scarce. In this grafting only one vegetative
bud with a piece of bark is used as scion material thus called as bud grafting, which has all
the advantages of grafting. It is much practiced in temperate regions of the country. The
removed bud piece contains periderm, cortex and phloem which are laid against the
exposed xylem of the stock. The inner surface of bud piece and exposed surface of stock
form callus strands, which join to form Callus Bridge finally resulting in formation of
secondary xylem and phloem. These vascular strands are connected to the original xylem
and phloem.

This method minimizes the use of scions and reduces disease transmission. But it takes a
long time of two years for a plant to grow.
There are various types of budding depending upon the types of the bud. They are ‘T’
budding, inverted ‘T’ budding, patch budding, flute budding, chip budding and ring budding.
‘T’ budding refers to the cut given on the stock in the shape of the letter ‘T’. It is also called
as shield budding as the bud prepared will appear like a shield. A cut is given on the stock (1-
2 cm diameter) at inter nodal region (25 cm height from ground level). A vertical cut is given
to a length at about 1-2 cm, and then cut horizontally at the top of the vertical cut which
appears like ‘T’.
Then slowly bark is removed to insert the bud. After selecting the required bud make a
slanting cut below the bud, and lift it upward to about 2.5 cm length above the bud. Gently
remove the bud and insert in ‘T-cut of stock and wrap the union tightly with a polythene
strip exposing only the bud.
The inverted ‘T’ budding is exactly opposite to that of ‘T’ budding. In ‘T’ budding there is
possibility of water drops entering the cut made on the stock and may lead to damage the
bud inside. In inverted ‘T’ method water entry is prevented.
In patch budding, a patch of bark with an active bud is removed from the bark of scion. A
patch of bark of similar size is carefully removed from the stock in the inter nodal region.
Then patch with bud of the scion is inserted on to the stock and properly bandaged with a
soft fiber and covered with grafting wax or clay.
Flute budding is a modified method of patch budding. The bark (Stock) of the plant is cut to
a length of 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄4 cm round and removed as a sheath at the inter nodal region. The
removed bark looks like the letter ‘C’. The bud of the scion is also removed in similar manner
and inserted in the stock and bandaged properly after applying grafting wax.
Precautions – The size of the scion and cut portion of the stock must be equal. While
removing the bud, no woody portion should stick to the bark. It is necessary to remove all
buds below and above the budded portion only. There should not be any empty space
between the scion and the cut portion on the stock. The stock should not be damaged. The
cut or site of insertion should be bandaged properly to prevent entry of water and air. It is
necessary to inhibit sprouting of other buds on the stock.
 Fig: Budding Methods
Layering
It is a process of development of roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant.
The rooted stem is detached to grow as a new plant and called as a layer. Root formation on
the stem during layering is stimulated by various treatments which cause the interruption in
the downward translocation of organic material (carbohydrates, auxins and other growth
regulators) from the leaves and shoot tips. These materials accumulate near the point of
treatment and cause the formation of callus. Then callus develop roots.
This method is simple, safe and cheap than any other method. It favors to get a large sized
plant in a short time. There is no chance of root drying. The disadvantages are time
consuming, expensive and not suitable for large scale production. After root development
the branch is separated from mother plant and used as sapling. This method helps to fill up
gaps in the field. There are different types.
Simple Layering
In simple layering a lower branch bent and bark is removed to a length of 2.5 to 3 cm in
middle region of the branch. The branch is then bent slowly to the ground and treated part
is covered with soil leaving the terminal end free and exposed. It is protected from
dislocation, the out and inside the soil with the help of a wooden pet or a fork. Root
initiation takes place at the bent and buried end, within two or four months, which is then
cut off from mother plant and transplanted to grow individually.
Trench Layering
In trench layering a branch of growing plant is bent and covered with soil and manure
leaving the tip exposed. The roots develop from the buds along with the stem grow upwards
to the soil and roots on opposite direction. This process is better to get number of layers
from a single branch.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation to induce roots on an aerial shoot. The method involves making
a girdle at a point 20-40 cm from the tip of the shoot just below the node by removing a
strip of bark 2-5 cm wide. Exposed bark is scraped to remove the traces of phloem or
cambium. The griddle is covered with propagating medium and tied with a polythene strip
not to allow water or insect in to cut portion. After two or three months polythene cover is
removed and rooted stem is cut for plantation.

Fig: Methods of Layering