Question

Given below are two statements: Statement (I): For commercial purpose, Morus spp. plants are propagated only through seeds. Statement (II): Normally, mulberry plant is propagated through cuttings/grafting/layering. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Vegetative propagation (such as stem cuttings) is used for commercial crops like mulberry because it preserves the genetic traits of the parent plant, ensuring consistent leaf quality and yields.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the sole host plant of the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori.
To support a commercial sericulture operation, farmers need a consistent supply of high-quality leaves.
The methods used to propagate mulberry plants affect how quickly they grow, their leaf quality, and their resistance to pests and diseases.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I):
Propagating mulberry from seeds is highly discouraged for commercial plantations.
Sexual propagation through seeds leads to high genetic variation, meaning the offspring may not inherit the desirable leaf traits of the parent plants.
Seedlings also grow slowly and take much longer to produce harvestable leaves.
Seed propagation is primarily used in plant breeding programs to develop new varieties, but not for commercial cultivation.
Thus, Statement I is incorrect.
Statement (II):
To maintain the genetic traits of high-yielding varieties, mulberry is propagated vegetatively (asexually).
The most common vegetative propagation methods are:
- Stem cuttings: Planting semi-hardwood cuttings directly in nurseries or fields (the most common and cost-effective method).
- Grafting: Joining a high-quality scion to a hardy rootstock, which is useful for propagation in difficult soils.
- Layering: Encouraging roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant.
These vegetative methods ensure that the offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant, grow quickly, and produce uniform, high-quality leaves.
Thus, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is incorrect, and Statement II is correct.
This corresponds to Option 4.