Variability in Specific Leaf Weight in Mulberry Germplasm and Its Inheritance Pattern

  • Sarkar, A. (Mulberry Breeding and Genetics laboratory, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute) ;
  • Mogili, T. (Mulberry Breeding and Genetics laboratory, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute) ;
  • Chaturvedi, H.K. (Regional Medical Research Center)
  • Published : 2003.09.01

Abstract

Specific leaf weight (SLW), defined as the mass of tissue per unit leaf area has been found to be an important physiological parameter as it indicates the relative thickness of leaves. Greater SLW provides more photosynthetic potential per unit area of leaf and hence it is frequently been considered as correlated with photosynthesis in several plant species. Collections of 165 mulberry (Morus sp.) germplasm accessions, both Indian and exotic in origin were evaluated for their variability with respect to SLW. The mean specific leaf weight ranged from 35.3 to $72.3 g/m^{-2}$. The distribution of SLW was found to be normal. High heritability (97.08%) and a small difference between genotypic and phenotypic variance demonstrates the genetic control over SLW. Significant heterotic effect with respect to SLW was observed in crosses when parents with high and low SLW were chosen.

Keywords

References

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