Leaf Quality Evaluation of Ten Mulberry (Morus) Germplasm Varieties through Phytochemical Analysis

Ten mulberry varieties viz., Tr8, Tr12, Tr20, S1708, MS5, C6, C10, Matigara black, Morus nigra and M5 were analysed for their leaf quality through phytochemical tests. Results revealed that, total proteins, total sugars and amino acids were high in tender followed by medium and coarse leaves. Total proteins, total sugars and amino acids were high in S1708 leaves and total proteins and total sugars were low in M5 leaves and amino acids were low in C6 leaves. Phenols, prolines and chlorophyll contents were high in medium followed by coarse and tender leaves. Phenols were high in M5 and least in Matigara black leaves. Prolines were high in Matigara black and low in M5 leaves. S1708 leaves recorded highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b whereas C6 recorded lowest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a and Chlorophyll-b. Moisture contents were high in tender followed by medium and coarse leaves. Moisture content and moisture retention capacity were significantly high in S1708 and lowest in C6 leaves.