Floral Trait Variation among Selected Mulberry Genotypes and Its Implications for Hybridization

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is an economically vital perennial plant in sericulture, cultivated primarily for its foliage which serves as the exclusive food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). Understanding floral morphology and reproductive biology is critical for the development of effective hybridization strategies aimed at enhancing yield, adaptability and disease resistance in mulberry genotypes. A field study was conducted using a randomized block design to investigate the floral traits of ten mulberry genotypes, including six female and four male lines maintained at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. Key floral parameters such as inflorescence length, width and number of florets were quantitatively assessed. Significant genotypic variation was recorded for all traits. Among the tested genotypes, the male line MI-0173 exhibited the longest inflorescence (2.98 cm), widest flower (1.20 cm) and the highest number of florets (48.44), whereas the female line ME-0008 consistently recorded the lowest values. A positive correlation was observed between inflorescence length and floret number, indicating their utility as reliable indicators for selecting elite parents in hybridization. Time of anthesis also varied among genotypes, with implications for synchronization during controlled breeding. These findings emphasize the importance of floral trait evaluation in improving hybrid development efficiency and optimizing genetic gains in mulberry. Identifying genotypes with favorable floral characteristics can greatly assist in designing compatible crosses, ensuring higher pollination success and maximizing seed set. Thus, this study contributes valuable data to mulberry breeding programs by establishing a foundation for more targeted and strategic parent selection based on floral trait diversity.