Journal of Global Ecology and Environment

The present experiment was carried out to assess the effect of moisture stress on four mulberry genotypes and three varieties in Rain Out Shelter at TNAU, Coimbatore. Four months old mulberry plants were grown in pots and subjected to three water regimes viz., 100% PC, 50% PC and 25% PC for 30 days. All the morphological (plant height, number of branches, number of leaves) and physiological traits (leaf area, RLWC-relative leaf water content) were studied before imposing stress and 30 days after drought stress. All the morphological characters were found to be reduced in plants at intense water stress compared to control plants. MI-0613 had taller plants while drought tolerant MI-0425 had smaller plants at 25% PC. Plant height was significantly altered within genotype and between treatments, but number of branches were not significantly altered in all the genotypes. Physiological parameters were decreased significantly under intense water stress. Mulberry genotype, MI-0425 was found to be drought tolerant with higher leaf area (117.24cm²/plant) and RLWC (78.55 %). Drought caused severe reduction in yield and TDMA in the genotypes viz., MI-0613 (45. 96%) and MI-0658 (36.70%). V1 recorded higher yield under drought stress. While the genotype MI-0425 showed lesser reduction in yield and TDMA (Total Dry Matter Accumulation) under drought stress. Hence the study has identified genotype MI-0425 and variety V1 to be drought tolerant.