BIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF JARARIQ MULBERRY VARIETIES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN SERICULTURE

Abstract

This study examines the biological and economic characteristics of Jarariq mulberry varieties and evaluates their importance in sericulture. The sustainable development of sericulture largely depends on the availability of high-quality mulberry leaves, which constitute the primary food source for silkworms. The Jarariq mulberry varieties, developed through long-term breeding programs at the Central Asian Sericulture Research Institute, are distinguished by their high leaf productivity, vigorous growth, adaptability to environmental conditions, and superior nutritional value. Comparative analysis of Jarariq-1, Jarariq-2, Jarariq-3, Jarariq-4, and Jarariq-5 revealed significant differences in productivity and biological performance. Among the studied varieties, Jarariq-1 demonstrated the highest leaf yield, producing 13.1 kg of leaves per tree and 8.1 t/ha. The results indicate that Jarariq mulberry varieties, particularly Jarariq-1, possess high biological potential and can serve as valuable feed resources for silkworm rearing. Their widespread cultivation can contribute to strengthening the feed base of sericulture and increasing cocoon production efficiency in Uzbekistan.