Mulberry Package of Practices for High Yield and Quality Leaf Production

Mulberry Package of Practices for High Yield and Quality Leaf Production

Introduction

Mulberry cultivation plays a very important role in sericulture farming. Farmers who grow mulberry can earn regular income by supplying leaves for silkworm rearing. To achieve high yield and better quality leaves, it is essential to follow a proper mulberry package of practices.

This blog provides a simple and practical guide on mulberry cultivation for Indian farmers, helping you improve productivity and income.

Mulberry | Description, Uses, & Major Species | Britannica

Importance of Mulberry in Sericulture

Mulberry is the only food for silkworms. Without good mulberry leaves, quality silk production is not possible.

Key importance:

  • Backbone of sericulture farming
  • Provides continuous income throughout the year
  • Suitable for small and marginal farmers
  • Supports rural employment

Role of Quality Leaves in Silkworm Rearing

Quality leaves directly affect silkworm growth and silk production.

Good quality leaves:

  • Improve silkworm health
  • Increase cocoon weight
  • Enhance silk quality and market value

👉 Poor leaves = weak silkworms = low profit

So, mulberry leaf production must focus on quality, not just quantity.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Ideal Climate

  • Temperature: 24°C to 28°C
  • Rainfall: 600–2500 mm annually
  • Humidity: Moderate (60–80%)

Mulberry can tolerate different climates but grows best in warm and humid conditions.

Ideal Soil

  • Well-drained loamy soil
  • pH: 6.2 to 7.5
  • Avoid waterlogging areas

Land Preparation

Proper land preparation ensures better root growth and higher yield.

Steps:

  • Deep ploughing (2–3 times)
  • Remove weeds and stones
  • Level the land properly

Organic Matter Addition:

  • Apply 10–15 tons of FYM (Farm Yard Manure) per acre
  • Improves soil fertility and structure

Varieties of Mulberry

Choosing the right variety is very important for high yield.

Popular varieties in India:

  • V1 – High yielding, suitable for irrigated conditions
  • S36 – Drought tolerant
  • M5 – Suitable for rainfed areas
  • S54 – Good for leaf quality
  • Kanva-2 – High productivity

👉 For commercial farming, V1 variety is most recommended.

Planting Methods

Spacing

  • Row to row: 3 ft
  • Plant to plant: 3 ft

Planting Methods

  • Pit method (most common)
  • Row system for easy management

Pit Method

  • Dig pits of 30×30×30 cm
  • Fill with soil + FYM mixture
  • Plant saplings or cuttings

Best Planting Season

  • June–July (Monsoon)
  • February–March (Irrigated conditions)

Nutrient Management

Mulberry is a heavy feeder crop. Proper nutrition is essential for high mulberry leaf production.

Organic Fertilizers

  • FYM: 10–15 tons/acre/year
  • Vermicompost can also be used

Chemical Fertilizers (per acre/year)

  • Nitrogen (N): 120–150 kg
  • Phosphorus (P): 50–60 kg
  • Potassium (K): 50–60 kg

Application Schedule

  • Apply FYM before planting
  • Divide nitrogen into 3–4 split doses
  • Apply after each harvest

👉 Always irrigate after fertilizer application

Irrigation Management

Water management is key for continuous leaf production.

Frequency

  • Summer: Every 5–7 days
  • Winter: Every 10–12 days
  • Rainy season: As required

Methods

  • Drip irrigation (best and water-saving)
  • Flood irrigation (traditional)

👉 Drip irrigation increases yield and saves water

Weed Management

Weeds compete for nutrients and reduce yield.

Control Methods

Manual:

  • Hand weeding
  • Hoeing (2–3 times)

Chemical:

  • Use herbicides like Glyphosate (carefully)

👉 Keep field weed-free especially in early stages

Pruning and Training

Pruning helps in better leaf growth and plant health.

Importance

  • Encourages new shoots
  • Improves leaf quality
  • Maintains plant height

Techniques

  • Bottom pruning (for young plants)
  • Middle pruning (for maintenance)
  • Top pruning (for height control)

👉 Pruning should be done after each harvest cycle

Pest and Disease Management

Mulberry plants are affected by pests and diseases, which reduce leaf quality.

Common Pests

  • Leaf roller
  • Thrips
  • Mealybugs

Common Diseases

  • Leaf spot
  • Powdery mildew
  • Root rot

Control Measures (Integrated Approach)

Cultural Practices:

  • Maintain field hygiene
  • Remove infected leaves

Biological Control:

  • Use neem-based products

Chemical Control:

  • Spray recommended pesticides only when needed

👉 Avoid excessive chemical use to protect silkworms

Harvesting of Leaves

Proper harvesting ensures continuous production.

Stage of Harvest

  • Harvest when leaves are tender and green
  • Avoid over-mature leaves

Method

  • Hand picking
  • Shoot harvesting

👉 Harvesting interval: 60–70 days

Yield and Economics

Expected Yield

  • 20–25 tons of leaves per acre per year (under good management)

Income Potential

  • Regular income from silkworm rearing
  • Higher profit with quality leaves

Benefits

  • Low investment compared to other crops
  • Year-round income
  • High demand in silk industry

Conclusion

Following the proper mulberry package of practices is essential for achieving high yield and better quality leaves. Good management of soil, nutrients, irrigation, and pests will directly increase your income from sericulture farming.

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