Tissue Culture and its Applications in Mulberry Propagation
Gagana Sindhu S *
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
Shwetha G V
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
Kaveri Aramani
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
Nikita Kankanawadi
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
Shravanilakshmi V
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
Veenita M K
Department of Sericulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mulberry is an economically important crop in sericulture industry, as it provides the only food source for the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). Despite its importance, traditional methods of propagation like stem cuttings and grafting have several limitations including low success rates, seasonal dependency and vulnerability to diseases. To overcome these challenges, tissue culture offers a reliable and efficient alternative for mass multiplication, genetic improvement, and long-term preservation of mulberry varieties. Techniques such as micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis make it possible to produce healthy, high-quality planting material on a large scale. In addition, tissue culture plays a crucial role in conserving rare or valuable germplasm under controlled environments, helping to safeguard genetic diversity for breeding and research purposes. This review explores how tissue culture is contributing to the advancement and preservation of mulberry and discusses the latest developments and future potential of these biotechnological approaches in promoting sustainable sericulture.
Keywords: Mulberry, tissue culture, micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, In-vitro conservation, germplasm preservation, genetic improvement, organogenesis