DISTRIBUTION OF MULBERRY SI>ECIES IN INDIA AND ITS UTILIZATION

Abstract

Silkworm and Mulberry Germplasm Station (SMGS), Hosur (Tamil Nadu) has taken up systematic
explorations of Morus species germplasm during spring and autumn seasons throughout India with
the objective to map the naturally occurring mulberry genetic resources as these are of considerable
importance in breeding programmes. So far 31 explorations covering 46 districts in 16 states and
one union territory resulted in 279 collections. In India, M. serrata and M. laevigata are the wild
forms with the distribution of former confined to North-West India and the latter distributed
throughout India including Andaman & Nicobar islands. Considerable diversity was observed in
M laevigata with maximum leaf area recorded from Andaman & Nicobar collections compared to
mainland forms. The leaves of this species are used for late age silkworm rearing and as fodder.
The fruit is used for juice and jam making. The wood is used for furniture, sports goods and
house building. M. serrata showed wid~ variation in its leaf lobation. The leaves of this species is
utilised for silkworm rearing in Urgam valley (UP). The various M indica forms collected are
diversed in growth and yield attributes. The present paper further emphasises on various economic
utility and medicinal uses of mulberry.