Assessment of Elite Mulberry Genotypes for Fruit Traits and Biochemical Composition

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the most promising mulberry genotypes for fruit production by evaluating fruit characteristics, biochemical traits and nutritional composition. Eight elite mulberry genotypes were selected from the mulberry germplasm unit at the Department of Sericulture, GKVK, Bengaluru. The saplings were raised and transplanted into the main field 90 days after planting, following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a spacing of 5 × 3 feet, with three replications per genotype. The results revealed that among the eight genotypes, ME-0006 exhibited superior fruit characteristics, with the highest values for fruit length (3.16 cm), fruit width (2.01 cm), fruit weight (3.02 g) and fruit yield per plant (166.55 g). Biochemical analyses indicated that ME-0220 had the highest total soluble solids (TSS) (19.71°B), carbohydrate content (166.49 mg/g), anthocyanin (38.41 mg/g), and zinc content (mg/100g). Genotype ME-0006 recorded the highest calcium content (153.80 mg/100 g), while MI-0014 showed the highest levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, ME-0086 was notable for its higher content of micronutrients and vitamin C (34.17 mg/100 g). These findings may provide valuable insights for selecting mulberry genotypes with superior fruit yield and biochemical properties, which can be further utilized in breeding programs and commercial mulberry fruit cultivation.