Recent Advances in Mulberry Cultivation and Improvement for Sustainable Sericulture: A Literature Review

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the primary host plant of the silkworm Bombyx mori and plays a fundamental role in determining silk productivity and quality. Improving mulberry cultivation through advanced agronomic practices and modern biotechnological tools has become essential for sustainable sericulture. This review summarizes recent progress in mulberry research, including germplasm diversity, propagation technologies, genetic and genomic improvement, stress tolerance mechanisms, nutrient management, and leaf quality optimization. Conventional propagation methods such as cuttings and grafting remain widely used, while mini clonal technology and tissue culture enable rapid multiplication of elite varieties. Molecular approaches including marker-assisted selection, transgenic technologies, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing have opened new opportunities for improving stress tolerance and leaf nutritional quality. Integrated nutrient management and organic fertilization have also demonstrated significant potential for enhancing mulberry leaf yield and soil health. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as precision agriculture, hyperspectral sensing, and artificial intelligence are increasingly being explored for efficient mulberry cultivation and real-time monitoring of leaf quality. Despite these advances, further research is required to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and field-level applications. The integration of biotechnology, sustainable agronomic practices, and digital technologies will be crucial for enhancing mulberry productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sericulture industry.