Revolutionizing Sericulture: From Mulberry to Market with Technology

Abstract

Mulberry, a deciduous woody perennial tree, is native to the northern and southern hemispheres. It is found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 4000 meters. However, mulberry is facing challenges as a consequence of urbanization, industrialization, and global warming. To continue farming and provide income for rural people, contemporary biotechnological methods must be exploited to generate novel varieties with increased productivity and adaptability. This chapter discusses mulberry origins, distribution, taxonomic position, genetic resource characterization, growing strategies, biotechnology advancements, and molecular biology applications. Mulberry, a plant with numerous sustainable attributes, is cultivated for its economic value and sustainability. It is primarily used in the sericulture industry for silkworm feeding, enhancing the production of commercial raw silk. Mulberry is also utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and beverage industries, ensuring environmental safety. Despite its numerous benefits, mulberry remains an ideal crop plant for sustainable future and economic growth, making it a vital resource for rural economies. Raw silk and handcrafted items are produced using silk reeling machines in Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Near East. These machines include standard wheel machines, enhanced two-end reeling machines, direct multi-end reeling machines, and multi-end reeling machines with compact reels. Some primitive machines need a lot of effort and may be replaced with contemporary ones that are specifically built for the cottage industry without a large expenditure. This study investigates the feasibility of vertical farming techniques such as hydroponic, aero-ponic, and aqua-ponic systems for mulberry propagation in controlled conditions. These techniques can boost protein content in meals and extract physiologically beneficial components for phyto-therapy. However, these approaches need the availability of space and irrigation, both of which vertical farming systems can readily provide. The objective of this article is to assess their application to sustainable and safer agriculture methods.