Geographical Distribution of Indian Mulberry Species

Abstract

Extensive explorations were undertaken in different regions ofIndia.Atotal of367 mulberry germplasm were collected
through 38 explorations covering 5 zones, 21 states and 58 districts. The wild collections of Morus serrata was
confined to North-western Himalaya. M. laevigata in natural forms are available in North-eastern, North-western
and South India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Introduced genepool of mulberry were collected from
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other parts of India which are
maintained as avenue trees, shade trees, social forestry and fruit trees mainly in coffee and tea estates. M. alba
and M. indica are mostly found in cultivated forms throughout India. Considerable diversity was observed in Morus
germplasm collected through explorations. The variability in the Indian collections of Morus germplasm and the
scope of utilization are discussed.