Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Santoshkumar Magadum and Sardar Singh

Abstract:
The investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability and heritability of growth and leaf contributing characters in 18 mulberry genotypes at Regional Sericultural Research Station, Central Silk Board, Miran Sahib, Jammu during Spring, 2019. Analysis of variance for growth and yield contributing characters showed highly significant differences among the genotypes. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was found higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for number of new shoots per plant, leaf area, total shoot length, total shoot weight, weight of ten fresh leaves and leaf yield per plant indicated that these traits are governed by genetic factors and existence of greater magnitude of genetic variability among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of new shoots per plant, leaf area, petiole length, total shoot length, total shoot weight, weight of 10 fresh leaves and leaf yield per plant indicating the prevalence of additive gene action in the expression of these traits and effective progress in improvement through selection could be achieved for leaf yield. These characters can be considered as selection criterion during mulberry improvement for leaf yield through successful breeding programmes.