Overview: Morus bombycis Koidz.
Morus bombycis Koidz. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Moraceae family. Commonly known as the "Chinese white mulberry," it is native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. This species also grows abundantly in Korea and Japan.
Appearance and Characteristics: Morus bombycis Koidz.
Chinese white mulberry trees can grow up to 10-15 meters tall, and typically have a spread of 6-8 meters. The bark of mature trees is grayish-brown and appears to be scaly. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a glossy green appearance, with serrated margins ranging from shallow to deeply lobed. The tree produces pendulous spike-like inflorescences, followed by fruits that are shaped like a small oval. These fruits have a sweet and tasty flavor.
Another unique characteristic of the Morus bombycis Koidz. is that it is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. Female trees produce the sweet and edible fruits while male trees have long, drooping catkins.
Uses: Morus bombycis Koidz.
The Chinese white mulberry has many uses. The fruits are edible and used in various dishes, including pies, jams, and cakes. They are also used to make wine, tea, and a traditional Chinese medicinal drink called "sangye cha." The leaves, which are rich in protein, are used as food for silkworms. In traditional Chinese medicine, the bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used to treat various illnesses, including fever, cough, and sore throat. The wood of the Morus bombycis Koidz. is also used for furniture, and the tree is cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and beautiful fruit.
Light Requirements
Morus bombycis Koidz. grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. In areas with intense heat, partial shade may be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Morus bombycis Koidz. growth is between 20-30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C and as high as 40°C, but extreme temperatures can adversely affect growth and yield. In areas with long, hot summers, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day may help protect the plants from heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Morus bombycis Koidz. prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plants should be irrigated regularly to maintain consistent moisture. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
The Morus bombycis Koidz. plant, commonly known as the Asian mulberry tree, can be grown in various soil types as long as there is good drainage. It thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH level between 6.0-7.0. The plant prefers full sunlight but can survive in partially shaded areas.
To propagate the plant, the seeds need to be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers once they reach 10 cm in height.
Watering Needs
The Morus bombycis Koidz. plant requires consistent watering to thrive. Young plants need to be watered every two days, and the frequency can be reduced to once a week for mature plants. Watering should be done early in the morning or in the evening to avoid evaporation loss.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Proper draining of the soil is essential to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Asian mulberry tree requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of 10:10:10. The fertilizer should be applied once in every two months.
The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as aged manure, compost, and coffee grounds. Use these fertilizers during the growing season to promote healthy growth and yield.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the Morus bombycis Koidz. plant healthy and productive. Prune the plant during the dormant season, i.e., winter, to remove dead and diseased branches. Also, prune to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Young plants should be pruned to promote lateral branching. This promotes the production of fruiting branches and helps the plant bear more fruits. Proper pruning also allows better air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Morus bombycis Koidz.
Morus bombycis Koidz. is a tree species, commonly known as the Korean mulberry. It is a valuable crop tree as it is the primary host of the silkworm, which is one of the world's most important silk producers.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is possible but not commonly practiced as it results in a high degree of variability. The seeds are sown in seedbeds or pots filled with well-draining soil, and they require bright sunlight and a consistent temperature between 20 and 25°C. Germination can take up to 30 days to occur, and once the seedlings reach 15-20 cm tall, they can be transplanted into containers or the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
The most commonly used propagation method for Morus bombycis Koidz. is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings taken from the previous year's growth have a higher success rate than softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be approximately 20-25 cm long with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm and have a minimum of 4-6 nodes. They should be treated with rooting hormone, planted in well-draining soil, and kept consistently moist. After a few weeks, the cuttings will root and can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting allows for true-to-type propagation and has a higher success rate than seed propagation. The most commonly used grafting method for Morus bombycis Koidz. is cleft grafting. It involves making a vertical slit into the rootstock and inserting the scion, which is a piece of healthy stem with several buds, into the slit. The graft union should be wrapped with a grafting tape to protect it from infection and to secure it in place. After a few weeks, the graft union will start to heal, and the tape can be removed.
Disease and Pest Management for Morus bombycis Koidz
Morus bombycis Koidz., commonly known as the silk tree or Korean mulberry, is a small deciduous tree that often faces issues with pest and diseases. However, with proper care and management, these issues can be controlled. Here's what you need to know:
Common Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a powdery white or gray growth on the leaves, and it can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Use a fungicide as a last resort.
2. Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black or brown irregular spots on the leaves and causes leaf drop. Maintain proper sanitation by removing fallen leaves and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide to manage severe cases.
3. Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the entire plant. To manage, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Fungicides can be used only in severe cases.
Common Pests
1. Scale insects: These pests appear as small brown bumps on the leaves and stems, and they suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Manage by removing the scale insects manually and using insecticidal soap.
2. Aphids: These small green insects can heavily infest Morus bombycis Koidz, leading to curled leaves and stunted growth. Manage by removing aphids with a strong water spray or by using insecticidal soap.
3. Spider mites: These tiny pests cause yellow or bronzed leaves, and they spin fine webs on the undersides of leaves. To manage, regularly mist the tree to increase humidity levels and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, the best way to manage pests and diseases is to ensure good plant health by providing adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight. Pruning regularly can also help improve airflow and prevent disease spread. By being proactive and vigilant, you can keep Morus bombycis Koidz healthy and free from pests and diseases.
