Evaluation of Salt Tolerant Germplasm of Mulberry Morus Species Against Salinity Stress in Coastal Regions of South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal

Abstract

The coastal region of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal is undergoing a severe increase in soil salinity, a phenomenon exacerbated by rising sea levels and the intensification of cyclonic storm activity. This condition poses significant threats to agriculture and local livelihoods, as it lowers the agricultural output and limits the viable options for farmers and economically marginalized communities. My awareness of this pressing issue dates back to 2006, when I was an undergraduate student, and since then, I have witnessed the gradual erosion of this coastal landscape. This specific problem has left a lasting impact on my conscience and academic focus. newlineAfter starting my career as a lecturer, I was fortunate to connect with Dr. Gangopadhyay and Dr. Bhattacharyya, distinguished professors and innovators who expressed a commitment to mentoring my scientific efforts to address this pressing challenge. This led me to the adoption of a comprehensive, multidimensional approach, which meticulously addresses the research gaps identified by predecessors concerning the components of this study. This thesis encapsulates the culmination of extensive fieldwork, laboratory investigations, and data analysis conducted over several years. It explores the potential of specific Morus germplasm to withstand elevated salinity levels, intending to identify robust varieties capable of thriving in the saline soils of South 24 Parganas. newlineA detailed assessment of the coastal soil of South 24 Parganas was carried out, revealing its physical and chemical features. The insights gained from this analysis influenced the development of targeted soil reclamation initiatives based on salt-tolerant cash crop cultivation such as mulberry. The introduction of salt-tolerant mulberry cultivars has the potential to support sericulture, which can offer farmers and marginal rural residents year-round employment prospects. Moreover, mulberry possesses a wide array of industrial newlinexviii newlineapplications, encompassing the cottage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food a