Physio-biochemical Evaluation of Mulberry (Morus Spp.) Genotypes under High Alkaline Soil for Identification of Stress-Tolerant Genotypes

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus spp.) leaf yield and quality are the major factors in sericulture since mulberry foliage is the only source of food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). High soil alkalinity will adversely affect the plant’s physio-biochemical processes such as nutrient uptake, chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis, cell membrane integrity, etc. About 21 mulberry genotypes were evaluated under high alkaline soil conditions and estimated chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate and measured activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and POX) as well as quantified accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and phenols) and osmolyte (proline). Based on morphological and physio-biochemical responses of the plants during alkalinity stress for a period of 120 days, four genotypes viz., Sahana (MI 0524), Bheria dangi-1 (MI 0822), T-36 (MI 0226), and Kanthaloor-2 (MI 0449) highly tolerant to soil alkalinity stress (pH> 9.0) were identified in the study along with adaptive responses /traits for future crop improvements in mulberry.