Analysis of total phenolic contents in the bark of different mulberry varieties (Morus sp.)

english

2026

volume 23, issue 1

bioactive compounds   chemotypic differences   leaves   mulberry shoots   secondary phloem

Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za kmetijstvo
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Mulberry (Morus sp.) trees are renowned for their rich profile of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics, which vary among tissues and genotypes. This study investigated the total phenol contents in the bark of one-year-old shoots of different mulberry species and genotypes. In addition, the article compares total phenolic contents between bark and leaves. The study included reference sericultural cultivars of M. alba and M. indica, two local Slovenian white mulberry genotypes, and a hybrid between white and red mulberry (M. alba × M. rubra). One-year-old shoots were sampled during the winter dormancy period, after which the bark was peeled, lyophilised, and ground into a fine powder. The total phenolic contents were analysed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results showed significant differences in total phenolic content among species and genotypes.The highest content was observed in the M. alba × M. rubra hybrid 5.14 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g-1 dry weight (DW), and the lowest in the sericultural cultivar 'Kokusou' (4.60 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g-1 DW). The comparison between bark and leaves showed that total phenolic concentrations were lower in the bark than in the leaves. The results indicate that both genetic background and plant tissue type influence phenolic compound levels, underscoring the need to consider these factors in future studies on bioactive compounds in mulberries.

04.11.2026