EVALUATION OF ETHYL METHANE SULFONATE (EMS) INDUCED MUTANTS OF MORUS SPECIES (GENOTYPE BC2-59) FOR NUTRITIVE AND BIOMASS PRODUCTIVITY

Mulberry is the primary forage for silkworm Bombyx mori L. (monophagous) and leaf protein is the base for synthesis of silk protein (sericin and fibroin). Nearly 70% of the leaf protein is biosynthesized into silk by silkworm. Thus the phenomenal increased biomass (leaves) and nutritive content in mulberry varieties is the principal determining factor for higher cocoon yield. Realising the biomass and nutritive significance of mulberry, the objective was prioritized for quantitative and qualitative improvement in crop. In the present investigation the active bud sprouts of mulberry genotype BC2-59, in multiple sets were treated for twelve hours intermittently (every one hour) with three concentrations (0.1%, 0.3% & 0.5%) of EMS and evaluation of crop was carried out. EMS is a potent chemical mutagen and monofunctional ethylating teratogenic agent with formula CH3SO3C2H5, used extensively in genetic research. EMS is proved mutagenic in wide variety of genetic test systems from virus to mammal.