Applications of High-throughput Tools in Mulberry Physiology Research: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sericulture is the multi- dimensional activity and Mulberry (Morus spp) is the sole food for silkworm Bombyx mori. It is very important to study the physiology of mulberry for the betterment of sericulture productivity and screening of better performing lines to withstand biotic and abiotic stress. It is necessary to monitor the crop growing status continuously and non-destructively to make decisions as to changed environmental conditions. High-throughput screening, defined as the automation and scaling of experimental analyses, enables rapid, reproducible, and large-scale measurements of plant traits. Importantly, these approaches allow continuous and non-destructive monitoring of crop growth, providing valuable insights for adaptive management under variable environmental conditions. Recent technological advances have introduced a wide range of high-throughput tools into mulberry research. Phenotyping platforms such as leaf area meters, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, and portable photosynthetic systems allow rapid assessment of photosynthetic efficiency and stress responses. High-throughput sequencing methods, including RNA-Sequencing and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have deepened genetic insights, while genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 open avenues for targeted improvement. Remote, hyperspectral, and multispectral sensing technologies enable large-scale monitoring of canopy health, nutrient status, and early stress detection. This review synthesizes how these tools facilitate early stress detection, genotype screening, and integration with molecular datasets for precision breeding. Case studies highlight their use under drought, waterlogging, nutrient imbalances, etc. This review concludes that high-throughput phenotyping not only enhances physiological understanding but also offers a pathway to accelerated mulberry improvement programs, bridging the gap between research and practical sericulture applications.