Philippine E-Journals

 Sprouting and Rooting Evaluation of 32 Mulberry Collections under La Union Condition

Merlita A. Dacayanan | Crestilyn N. Damasco | Minerva J. Tabafunda | Roel D. Supsup | Lilia A. Ancheta | Cristeta F. Gapuz

 

Abstract:

Cultivation of mulberry (Morus sp.; Moraceae) provides sustainable economic and environmental benefits. Its foliage is the only natural feed available for the silkworm, Bombyx mori Linneaus, for the production of silk. The mulberry germplasm of the Sericulture Research and Development Institute, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU-SRDI), maintains different exotic and indigenous collections. This study aimed to select breeding materials with high propagation traits for crop improvement and to identify suitable parent materials. Pooled data of 2009 and 2010 evaluations on sprouting, rooting and root proliferation rate at 20, 60 and 90DAP, respectively, were subjected to Analysis of Variance. Selection of variety was done using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) using Batac, a widely used variety for cocoon production, as check variety. Result revealed that there was no significant variation among the 33 mulberry collections as to the number and weight of roots and root-shoot ratio by length and weight. Identified parent materials for improved rooting capacity are S3, Papua, King, M.A., Collection2 and H4, thus, considered for drought resistance.