A comprehensive review of mulberry (Morus spp.) propagation: From conventional methods to biotechnological innovations

Abstract:

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is an economically important perennial crop cultivated mainly for sericulture, where the quality and availability of planting material directly influence productivity. Since seed propagation results in genetic variability and delayed establishment, vegetative propagation methods are widely used for maintaining superior genotypes and producing uniform plants. This review summarizes conventional and advanced mulberry propagation techniques, including stem cutting, grafting, budding, layering, root segment multiplication, and mini-clonal technology. Stem cuttings remain the most common method due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while rooting success is influenced by genotype, physiological condition of cuttings, environmental factors, and application of growth regulators such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Grafting, budding, and layering provide alternative approaches for improving propagation efficiency and conserving valuable cultivars, whereas micropropagation and mini-clonal technologies offer rapid multiplication of genetically uniform planting materials under controlled conditions. The integration of traditional and biotechnological approaches can enhance mulberry improvement programmes by ensuring the availability of high-quality planting material, supporting germplasm conservation, and promoting sustainable sericulture production.

This review highlights the principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of different mulberry propagation strategies and emphasizes the need for further research on physiological, molecular, and environmental factors influencing regeneration and establishment. A combined approach involving traditional propagation practices and advanced biotechnological tools will be crucial for future improvement and expansion of mulberry-based production systems.