Mulberry Breeding for Mitigating Climate Change: Current Status and Future Perspectives
摘要
Mulberry (Morus spp.), a perennial and cross-pollinated species from the Moraceae family, plays a vital role in sericulture as its leaves serve as the sole food of the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori). Due to this vital relationship, mulberry cultivation is prominent in countries such as China, India, and Thailand, where it supports both silk production and a wide range of other industries. Beyond sericulture, mulberry is valued for its diverse applications in the food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. The long-term viability of the silk industry depends heavily on the consistent supply of high-quality mulberry leaves in sufficient quantity to meet the demands of silkworm rearing. The quality and productivity of mulberry leaves are negatively influenced by environmental stresses, including soil moisture, salinity, alkalinity, and low temperatures, along with pests and diseases. Traditional breeding methods have significantly aided in developing mulberry varieties that are resilient to soil moisture deficiency, soil salinity, alkalinity, acidity, and both high and low-temperature stress. Additionally, targeted trait enhancement through genetic engineering can bolster leaf yield and quality under diverse abiotic stress conditions. This chapter reviews the present status of mulberry variety development, the application of molecular markers in mulberry breeding, and genetic manipulation efforts in mulberry to support the silk industry amid climate change challenges. This chapter outlines the present state of mulberry varietal improvement, highlights the role of molecular markers in breeding strategies, and discusses genetic interventions designed to bolster silk production amid climate change.