Vol. 6 No. 2
Effects of chromosomal variations on morphology and leaf anatomical behaviours in mulberry (Morus sp.).
Author(s): LALTANMAWII ANDS. ROYCHOWDHURI
Abstract: Mulberry (Morus sp.) used as feed to silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) is basically a diploid plant with 28 chromosomes (2n=28). The cross pollinated and heterozygous nature of mulberry created wide variations in number of chromosomes which resulted in phenotypic differences in the progenies. Study on mulberry genotypes showed differences on morphological and leaf anatomical characters with the differences of basic sets of chromosomes number. Triploids (2n=3x=42) were superior to the diploids and tetraploids. Upper cuticle (r=0.77 µm), palisade (r=0.71 µm) and spongy parenchyma (r=0.74 µm) layers of leaf showed positive correlation with the increased number of chromosomes. The bigger size and lesser number of stomata in leaves were recorded in tetraploids followed by triploids and diploids. Leaf thickness and number of stomata were indicative of ploidy and can be used as preliminary identifying characteristics for screening of mulberry germplasm for breeding.
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