FIELD PERFORMANCE AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF MICROPROPAGATED MULBERRY PLANTS

Microclones of different mulberry genotypes were successfully transfer red to the field. The same genotypes were raised through conventional methods (cuttings). A comparative study using morphological and bioche mical tests of field established micropropagated and cutting derived p lants of mulberry genotypes was conducted. Micropropagated mulberry pl ants showed significant morphogenic vigour when compared to plants rai sed through cuttings. Biochemical tests of leaves revealed that, there was no significant nutritional difference between micropropagated pla nts and those originated from cuttings.