Like many other tree crops, mulberry is a difficult species for genetic studies and crop improvement. In spite of that, conventional breeding of mulberry has contributed significantly to the increase in leaf yield for silkworm rearing. However, genetic information on inheritance of important agronomic and economic traits in mulberry is lacking. Directional improvement of mulberry by conventional breeding techniques for abiotic stresses (water, alkalinity, frost, etc.) tolerance and biotic stress (root knot nematode, root rot, tukra, etc.) resistance, efficient nutrient uptake and leaf quality, are not successful to desired extent due to the complex nature of the traits. In this context, molecular marker technologies like DNA offer an alternative opportunity for understanding the mulberry genome for improvement and utilization. Together with conventional breeding methods, DNA marker techniques may accelerate the adaptation through genetic change to improve the yield and quality of mulberry.

Towards this goal the Molecular Biology Laboratory-1 was established and already has made significant strides in this direction with financial support form Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi. Brief highlights of the achievement of laboratory are listed below:

• Molecular IDs of important mulberry cultivars and germplasm were developed for identification, protection of Plant Breeders’ Right (PBR) and registration. Marker index (MI) and resolving power (Rp) of the primer/s were correlated with number of genotypes that could be discriminated.
• A strategy for identification duplicate and redundant collection in the mulberry gene bank was suggested with the aid of molecular marker analysis for efficient utilization of germplasm in crop improvement.
• Genetic diversity of large number of mulberry germplasm was estimated for exploitation of heterosis in mulberry breeding program. Currently, a mulberry crop improvement program is being implemented at CSRTI, Mysore using molecular marker based diversity of potential parental lines for exploitation of hybrid vigor.
• At CSRTI, Mysore a total of about 850 mulberry germplasm (form the gene bank of CSRTI, Mysore and CSGRC, Hosur) were categorized into 23 natural groups and each group was DNA profiled using mainly dominant marker systems viz., RAPDs and ISSRs. Genetic diversity based on the marker data was assessed by UPGMA method and MSTRAT algorithm was applied to select representative core sample from each group. A final core assembly of 100 germplasm including essential genotypes of breeders’ interest   was identified (unpublished data) using marker aided analysis.
• A collaborative program between CSRTI, Mysore and CSGRC, Hosur has been initiated to for assessment of genetic structure of the entire germplasm collection in India (about 1100 accessions) using microsatellite markers. The study has two major objectives of identification of a panel of diverse mulberry germplasm and construction of core collection using informative and robust SSR markers for association mapping important quantitative traits and also to enhance the utilization of the resources in breeding program respectively. 
• A  DNA marker (OPA-20₈₉₇) for rooting ability in mulberry was identified and converted into a codominant SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) marker for use in marker assisted breeding.
• Identification of DNA markers for major diseases of mulberry (viz., powdery mildew, mealy bug and root knot nematode) has been undertaken in the DBT Network Project involving major sericulture Institutes. The DNA markers associated with powdery mildew and mealy bug resistance have been identified. The marker for powdery mildew resistance is being utilized in MAS at CSRTI, Berhampore in collaboration with CCMB, Hyderabad. 
• Mapping population for yield and yield contributing traits, water use efficiency and root trait (moisture stress tolerance) and alkalinity stress tolerance was developed and established in the field.
• Framework linkage map of Mysore local (♀) and V-1 (♂) mulberry cultivars were developed for utilization in the map based cloning of genes. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield and yield contributing characters were identified.
• Framework genetic linkage maps of Himachal Local, MS-3, Dudhia White and UP were constructed using molecular markers.
• QTL analysis using trait specific (WUE and root) mapping populations was undertaken. On Himachal Local (♀) map, QTLs were identified in the chromosomal regions controlling average shoot length (LG7, LOD 4.0), length of the longest shoot (LG7, LOD > 4.0). On MS-3 (male parent) map, QTLs for average leaf area and inter-nodal distance were located in LG3 with LOD value > 4.0.
• Analysis of root trait mapping population identified QTLs on LG9 of Dudhia White controlling leaf yield (LOD 3.4) and longest root length on LG5 (LOD 3.2).
• WUE and root trait were introgressed and two populations were developed. Five promising mulberry introgressed lines were identified based on Δ13C, total shoot biomass and morphological grading for evaluation under primary yield trial.
• A DNA and phenotypic marker-centric database - MulGenomeDb was developed to facilitate the systematic storage, visualization, analysis of data generated in the Laboratory and to access the same through World Wide Web. The web system catalogues data and information on PCR based markers (RAPD, ISSR, etc.) of the genomes of large number of mulberry germplasm collections and mapping populations in the form of DNA fingerprints/profiles, detailed primer-wise marker scores, similarity/dissimilarity matrices, molecular marker based genetic clusters and phylogenetic trees, marker segregation pattern of progenies, important phenotype etc.

• Genotyping of mulberry germplassm using microsatellite markers (SSRs) for development of a panel of diverse germplasm and construction of core collection for sustainable conservation and enhanced utilization in crop improvement
• Construction of linkage map of mulberry based on molecular markers.
• Identification of QTLs associated with yield and yield contributing characters, Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and root trait for mulberry improvement through marker-assisted selection.
• Identification of DNA markers associated with diseases and pest resistance for improvement of mulberry crop.
• Development of a web enabled mulberry genome database



Genetic improvement of mulberry through molecular technologies /biotechnological approaches.






Mulberry genomics and marker assisted breeding.






1. DBT funded - DNA marker aided analysis of mulberry gene bank towards a core assembly for sustainable conservation and enhanced utilization in crop improvement (in collaboration with CSGRC, Hosur).
2. CSB funded - Development of superior mulberry verities by exploitation of hybrid vigor based on molecular diversity of promising parental lines (in association with Mulberry Breeding and Gentics Section).





• Training in Biotechnology for researchers and students and guidance for Post Graduate students for undertaking dissertation work
• Guidance for Ph. D. by research work





1. Water Purification System (Millipore, USA)
2. Refrigerated High Speed Centrifuge (Eppendorf, Germany)
3. PCR system (Applied Biosystems, Switzerland)
4. DNA Engine (MJ Research, USA)
5. Gel Documentation System (Syngene, UK)
6. Clean Bench (Hitachi, Japan)
7. DNA Sequencing System (UVP, UK)
8. -20 degree Deep Freezer (Thermo Electric Corporation, UK)
9. Fully equipped laboratory space with air conditioning.
10. Experimental plots for mulberry evaluation.





Research papers published in Journals - 24

Research papers presented in the seminars/ conferences/ symposia/ workshops-43

Books/catalogues -3 Nos.






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