Estimation of Biochemical Constituents in Leaves of Elite Mulberry Hybrids

Abstract

Mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori nourishes its nutrition from its sole food plant Morus spp. Various biochemical techniques have facilitated the sericulture’s in identifying the most nutritive mulberry variety for obtaining eminent silk. A deficiency of certain nutrients or an imbalance of nutrients in leaves causes some changes in the composition or metabolic activity of larval body. Eight mulberry hybrids and two commercial check varieties were analysed for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Ash, Crude Fibre, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Phenol, Sugar and Amino acid contents. The result revealed that hybrids, ME-65 × V1 recorded highest nitrogen content (3.47%), Potassium content (2.15%), calcium content (0.64%), Magnesium content (0.45%), Sulphur content (0.30%), Ash content (12.92%), Phenol (3.99 mg) and sugar content of (12.66%) compared to check variety V1 and S-36. Whereas ME-146 × MI-66 recorded highest total amino acid (8.37 mg/g). Similarly, biochemical constituents viz., phosphorous (0.55%), Crude Protein (18.81%), Carbohydrate (22.8%), crude fibre (9.89%) were recorded highest in the check variety V1.