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Indian Journal of Pure & Applied Biosciences (IJPAB)
Year : 2020, Volume : 8, Issue : 3
First page : (454) Last page : (458)
Article doi: : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8149

Study on Variability in Moisture Content and Relative Water Content in Mulberry Lines

Jyoti Biradar* and T. K. Narayanswamy
Asst. Prof., College of Sericulture, Chintamani, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru-65
*Corresponding Author E-mail: biradar.jyoti1@gmail.com
Received: 2.05.2020  |  Revised: 7.06.2020   |  Accepted: 16.06.2020 

 ABSTRACT

Silkworm is monophagus insect and solely depends on mulberry leaf for nutrition. Quality of mulberry has a direct influence on the physiology and growth of the silkworm. Quality of mulberry leaves as single factor contributes about 40 % for the success of silkworm crop. Mulberry leaf moisture content is one of the key constituents determining the quality of the feed. The study conducted on thirty-seven mulberry genotypes for variability in moisture percentage and relative water content in the leaves. Relative water content maximum in MI 516 (98.7 % ) and ME-0142 (98.1%) germplasm lines compare to all other lines. To maintain higher RWC levels helps  in better cell wall strength and  the ability to minimize mechanical damage to the cells. Moisture content in fresh leaf was maximum in ME-143 and MI-494 (77.28%) which were significantly higher than the remaining genotypes including V1 variety. Higher moisture content in mulberry leaves increase digestion ability of the silkworm.

Keywords: Silkworm, Mulberry leaf, Germplasm, Genotypes

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Biradar, J., & Narayanswamy, T. K. (2020). Study on Variability in Moisture Content and Relative Water Content in Mulberry Lines, Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. 8(3), 454-458. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8149