Mulberry Species Research Articles

The Effect of Adding the Leaves and Fruits of Morus alba to Rape Honey on Its Antioxidant Properties, Polyphenolic Profile, and Amylase Activity.

Two various species of mulberry (Morus sp.) were selected to enrich rape honey with dried leaves or lyophilized fruits (4% w/v). Finally, fruits and leaves of the ‘Ukraińska’ clone were introduced into the honey during creaming in concentrations from 1 to 4% w/v. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content, and polyphenolic profile were tested in plant extracts and enriched honeys. Moreover, α-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, and diastase activities were investigated in honeys. For mulberry extracts, chlorogenic acid isomers and rutin were considered main antioxidant compounds. The antioxidant activity of honey enriched with mulberry leaves increased even more than 50 times, due to introducing numerous phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. A significant decrease in the diastase activity in honey depending on the content of added mulberry leaves (almost 50% decrease in the case of 4% addition) was found, suggesting the inhibitory effect of honey with mulberry leaves against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes.

Genome-wide SNP marker discovery and phylogenetic analysis of mulberry varieties using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing

There has been long taxonomic debate on mulberry species (genus Morus) because the classification of mulberry species has relied on morphological characteristics. Although attempts for classifying mulberry species using molecular markers have been performed, phylogenetic relationships among diploid mulberry species remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the genetic relationship between 54 diploid mulberry varieties belonging to seven different Morus species (M. alba, M. indica, M. bombycis, M. acidosa, M. latifolia, M. kagayamae, and M. rotundiloba) and one unspecified Morus species (‘Enbu’) using genome-wide SNP discovery and phylogenetic analysis via double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). Genome-wide 2229 homozygous SNPs of 54 mulberry varieties in the eight species were identified by ddRAD-seq. Results of the phylogenetic analysis identified only three clear monophyletic clades in two Japanese native species, M. acidosa and M. kagayamae, which are found on different geographically isolated islands and a Thai species, M. rotundiloba, whereas the other species were non-monophyletic. Varieties of M. bombycis, another Japanese native species, were roughly classified into three groups. Of these, two M. bombycis groups were monophyletic with M. acidosa and M. kagayamae, respectively, while another M. bombycis group was not monophyletic. Varieties of M. indica, an Indian native species, were classified into two different monophyletic clades. Of these, one clade was clearly monophyletic with an indigenous variety in Kenya, ‘Enbu’, while another clade was monophyletic with M. rotundiloba and one M. latifolia variety. There were no clear monophyletic clades within M. alba and M. latifolia varieties, which could be a result of several hybridization events after their introductions from China to Japan. Our results suggested that it was difficult to clearly classify the hybridized mulberry varieties even with genome-wide DNA markers. In addition to phylogenetic analysis, we also evaluated morphological characteristics of mulberry leaves for each variety. The results of morphological evaluation indicated that leaf tip ratio may correlate to genetic difference among the two M. bombycis groups in monophyletic clades and another M. bombycis group in non-monophyletic clades. These results suggested that leaf tip ratio might be used for evaluating hybridization of M. bombycis varieties. Over all, our results may provide new insights into taxonomic debate of mulberry species.

Identification of dominant genetic markers relevant to male sex determination in mulberry (Morus alba L.)

Morus alba (white mulberry) is a cultivated species of mulberry that exists as both dioecious and monoecious plants in nature. Although it has been cultivated for years as an essential crop for sericulture, and although various cultivars are readily available, its sex determination mechanisms are not yet clear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate sex determination mechanisms of mulberry using both genetic and genomic approaches. Female and male cultivars of dioecious M. alba were crossed, and the segregation of sex was analyzed in the F1 plants. In the F1 plants, female and male plants were segregated at an almost equal ratio. By comparing the restriction site associated DNA sequencing analysis data between female- and male-bulked DNA of these F1 plants, the male-bulk-specific RAD tags were predominantly identified. Thus, we presumed that the male M. alba is heterogametic whereas the female M. alba is homogametic. Based on the corresponding sequences of male-bulk-specific RAD tags, putative male-specific markers were developed, and these markers exhibited linkage with the male sex in individual F1 plants. However, genotypes of these markers did not always show an association with sex in the cultivars of M. alba, M. bombycis, and M. lhou. Around half of the analyzed female cultivars showed identical marker genotypes to male, whereas all the analyzed male and monoecious cultivars showed a consistent genotype. According to these results, the DNA markers developed in this study were found to be relevant to male flower determination, and are thus expected to be helpful for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the evolutionary and sex determination systems of mulberry plants.

INFLUENCES OF PRE-SOWING TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION AND EMERGENCE OF DIFFERENT MULBERRY SPECIES SEEDS

Morus genus includes more than 20 species, some of which are commercially important mulberries with different fruit color and shape. Even though the trees of those species are propagated by rooting of cuttings in practice, mulberry seeds are of importance for breeding studies and rootstock seedling propagation. For that reason, this study was conducted to improve the seed performance of four mulberry species by different pre-sowing treatments including; 3% KNO3, GA3 at 500 ppm, organic priming with herbal tea brewed from marigold flowers petals and hydro priming. Results of the parameters of emergence characteristics and seedling vigor were evaluated. According to the results that varied between different species and pre-treatments, since emergence percentage and time, and seedling vigor were improved by the treatments, it was concluded that pre-sowing applications, especially GA3 and hydro priming, were beneficial in improving the seed performance of mulberry species included in the study.

Adaptation of Morus alba and Morus cathayana plants in a different climate and environment conditions in Indonesia

Abstract. Sasmita N, Purba JH, Yuniti IGAD. 2019. Adaptation of Morus alba and Morus cathayana plants in a different climate and environment conditions in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 544-554. Mulberry (Morus alba L. and Morus cathayana Hemsl.) cultivation business as silkworm feed in Indonesia is increasing, considering the benefits of mulberry economically, ecologically and pharmaceutically. This study aimed to determine the mulberry plants adaptation to the ability of life and growth of mulberry cuttings. The research was conducted at three different places i.e. BPTH Bali, Cianjur Alam Sutra Nursery (West Java) and East Kutai Farming Farm, using Randomized Block Design consisted of mulberry treatments (M. alba and M. cathayana) and three treatments i.e. using Rootone F, Using Organic solution and Control (no added. The results show different growth rates from various regions in Indonesia. Mulberry growth in West Java was the best compared to mulberry which growth in Bali and Kalimantan. The highest live percentage was observed in West Java for M. alba (95%) and M. cathayana (90%), followed by Bali M. alba (85%) and M. cathayana (80%), Kalimantan M. alba (80%) and M. cathayana (75%). The best high parameter of mulberry plant in West Java for M. alba (80cm) and M. cathayana (76 cm), in Bali for M. alba (67 cm) and M. cathayana (76cm), in Kalimantan for M. alba (58 cm) and M. cathayana (50cm). The best mulberry species based on the whole parameter is M. alba in West Java. This means that West Java climate and environmental conditions are good for mulberry cultivation.

Determination of 1-Deoxynojirimycin Content and Phytochemical Profiles from Young and Mature Mulberry Leaves of Morus Spp.

Mulberry leaves have been known to be rich in 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) which inhibits postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-glucosidase in the small intestine and thereby reducing the breakdown of starch and other complex sugar into glucose. Mulberry leaf extract also contains many other bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. They are very effective in supporting blood sugar levels and balancing cholesterol and triglycerides. The DNJ content in mulberry leaves depends on the leaf’s variety and age. In this study, the phytochemical profile and DNJ content of young leaves and mature mulberry leaves in Indonesia were determined to further promote mulberry use using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Pyrolisis Gass Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The phytochemicals test result for the four leaf samples showed that all four samples contain alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and terpenes. The mature leaves of M. cathayana contain the highest DNJ concentration (2.90 mg DNJ/g leaves) out of eight samples. DNJ has the potential to be used as a functional food for diabetic patients. Analysis using HPLC and Py-GC-MS confirmed that mulberry species contain many beneficial phytochemicals. This study presented that Indonesian mulberry leaves extracts to have high phytochemical compositions which very potential utilized in the medicinal field.

Toxicity potential of heartwood extractives from two mulberry species against Heterotermes indicola

Choice and no-choice tests were run to evaluate natural resistance of the woods of two Morus species (Morus alba and Morus nigra) against the subterranean, Heterotermes indicola, under field conditions. Toxicity, antifeedant and repellency potential of the heartwood extractives was also investigated under laboratory conditions. Heartwood extractives were removed from wood shavings by using methanol or an ethanol: toluene (2:1) mixture. Results of choice and no-choice tests with sap and heartwood blocks exposed to termites, showed that both mulberry species were resistant to termites but in comparison, Morus alba wood was more resistant than Morus nigra to termite feeding as it showed <5 % weight loss after 90 days. Termites exhibited a concentration dependent mortality after exposure to either mulberry species’ heartwood extractives. The highest termite mortality occurred after termites were exposed to filter paper treated with Morus alba extractives at a concentration of 5 %. At this concentration, antifeedancy and repellency were calculated to be 91,67 and 84 % respectively. . Our results also showed that extractives from either mulberry species imparted resistance to vacuum-pressure treated non-durable Populus deltoides wood. Termite mortality was greater than 75 % after feeding on Populus deltoides wood treated with extractives from Morus alba. Solvent only (methanol) treated Populus deltoides controls, showed a minimum weight loss of 2,69 % after 28 days. These results suggest that Morus alba extractives have antitermitic properties and may be potentially useful in the development of environment friendly termiticides.

Species Test of Morus alba, Morus cathayana and Morus nigra on Agroforestry Land as Silkworm Feed (Bombyx mory Linn.) For Silk Yarn Quality Improvement in Bali Indonesia

Mulberry plants are tested on agroforestry land because of its well adaptation. The agroforestry model is a combination of sengon ( Paraserianthe sfalcataria ) and mulberry ( Morus sp.) plants. The selected mulberry plants consisted of three species, namely M. alba , M. cathayana and M. nigra . The study objectives was to determine the best mulberry species leaves as silkworm feed to produce quality cocoons on agroforestry area in Bali. The test was carried out in a complete randomized design (CRD) with the species treatment of M. alba , M. cathayana and M. nigra . It consists of three replications each. Each replication consists of 100 silkworms. The variables observed in this study were cocoon quality and thread / fiber including the percentage of larvae which become a cocoon, the percentage of normal cocoon, cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, ratio of cocoon skin and fiber length. The results showed that the maintenance rendement (%) was M. alba (70%), M. cathayana (62,0) and M. nigra (60,5), weight of cocoon (g), was M. alba (1,47) , M. cathayana (1.53) and M. nigra (1.41), Weight of filaments (mg)namely M. alba (30,12), M. cathayana (25,35) and M. nigra (26,25 ), and the rolling strength of silk thread, namely M. alba (97.45), M. cathayana (74.11) and M. nigra (69.27). M. alba , M. nigra and M. cathayana mulberry leaf species grown from agroforestry patterns can be used to feed silkworms. The mulberry cropping pattern type both monoculture and agroforestry did not show a significant difference in the silkworm cocoons quality and quantity. The highest maintenance rendement is silkworm fed by M. alba, second is M. cathayana and third M. nigra . M. nigra and M. cathayana compared to M. alba did not show significant differences in cocoon weight, cocoon skin weight, percentage of filaments and rolling strength of silk yarn. Keywords: Agroforestry, cocoon, mulberry, silkworm, feed DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/8-12-08

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF FRUITS EXTRACTS OF THREE MULBERRY SPECIES (MORUS ALBA L., MORUS RUBRA L. AND MORUS NIGRA L.) AND BILBERRY (VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS L.)

Delphinidin is a dominant anthocyanidin in bilberry. Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of the genus Morus showed that M. nigra L. extract was more active than extracts of other two species (M. alba L. and M. rubra L.). Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of V. myrtillus methanol extract was in the range of MIC/MBC = 15.75-252.00 mg/mL. Antimicrobial effect of the tested extracts was less potent against strains from wounds compared to ATCC strains as well Gram (-) bacteria compared to Gram (+) bacteria. The most sensitive strains were S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes. P. mirabilis and S. aureus.

Morphological and antioxidant characteristics of mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes

Abstract Mulberry is a multipurpose tree, which can be utilized for catering diversified needs such as food, fodder, fuel and fibre. It has earned ‘superfood’ status, in European countries, owing to presence of bioactive compounds in fruits. In India, mulberry is considered an underutilized fruit crop and the breeding efforts on mulberries made so far were restricted to development of genotypes suitable for sericulture. However promising selections of mulberry, intended for commercial fruit production, have recently been made. Therefore, an investigation about the phytochemical constituents of available promising mulberry genotypes could help develop an improved understanding and appreciation of the nutraceutical and medicinal value of this fruit, which consequently will promote its consumption in society. In the present investigation, we assessed variations in morphological characteristics, phytochemical and antioxidant capacity among 10 selected mulberry genotypes belonging to 3 mulberry species (Morus alba, M. rubra and M. laevigata). The antioxidant capacity was estimated by CUPRAC, FRAP and DPPH assays. The ascorbic acid content varied from 6.8 to 27.1 mg 100 g−1, total polyphenols from 0.51 to 1.58 mg g−1, total flavonoids from 0.37 to 1.26 mg g−1 and O-dihydric phenol from 0.14 to 0.33 mg g−1 fresh weight. The average antioxidant activities were 3.02–6.92 and 2.79–5.70 µM TE g−1 as determined by the CUPRAC and FRAP assays, respectively. Likewise, according to the results obtained, genotype Delhi Local was found to exhibit the strongest DPPH free-radical scavenging activity followed by Thar Lohit. The results of the study showed that the dark red-fruited mulberry ‘Delhi Local’ with higher antioxidant potential appears to be promising for further commercial exploitation.

Antioxidant Capacity and Bioactive Contents of Mulberry Species from Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

Antioxidant Capacity and Bioactive Contents of Mulberry Species from Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

Phenotypic and chemical variation of black mulberry (Morus nigra) genotypes

It is believed that black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a healthier fruit among mulberry species due to its high bioactive content. In the present study, the morphological and chemical variabilities of this species were investigated. There were statistical differences in terms of the morphological and chemical traits between the genotypes. Out of 37 morphological and seven chemical characters, 20 morphological and five chemical traits showed a coefficient of variation (CV) greater than 20.00%, indicating a high variability between the genotypes for these traits. The fruit weight varied between 1.79 and 5.69 g with an average of 3.85 g. The highest TSS content was 24.80%, while the lowest TSS was 11.20%, with an average of 18.42. The content of total anthocyanins was found between 57.62 and 475.65 mg CGE 100 g−1 FrWe. Total phenols ranged from 232.27 to 1777.73 mg GAE 100 g−1 FrWe. The fruit weight showed positive correlations with tree growth vigor, leaf length and leaf width. In addition, fruit weight was positively correlated with fruit length and fruit width. Furthermore, TSS was positively correlated with phenolic content and flavonoid content. The results obtained from the hierarchical grouping analysis separated genotypes into three and two main groups based on morphological and chemical characters, respectively. The present study increased knowledge about the phenotypic variation and phytochemical properties of black mulberry fruits and can be useful for producers, breeders, and processors.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonoids from 12 species of Korean mulberry leaves

The total flavonoids in leaves of 12 varieties of Korean mulberry (Morus alba L.) were determined. Seventeen flavonoids were isolated and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–DAD–QTOF/MS). To determine the flavonoid contents, HPLC analysis was performed on these 17 flavonoids. The total flavonoid contents of the 12 varieties of mulberry leaves ranged from 748.5 to 1297.9 mg, with the highest obtained from the Cheong Su variety (1297.9 ± 112.0 mg). Among the 17 flavonoids analyzed, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin) had highest contents in the Cheong Su variety. Furthermore, the Dae Dang Sang variety gave the highest quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin) content among the mulberry leaves investigated, at 425.5 ± 45.9 mg. Major flavonols from Dae Dang Sang were detected by UPLC–DAD–QTOF/MS. A total of 17 flavonoid compound peaks were identified in the analysis time range of 5–40 min, all of which were kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. Seven of the 17 compounds identified in mulberry leaves were unknown.

Ploidy level and their relationship with vegetative traits of mulberry ( Morus spp.) species in Taiwan

Abstract To accelerate the mulberry breeding program and examine the genome size and ploidy levels of 27 mulberry accessions of promising lines in Taiwan, nuclei suspensions were prepared from unfolded young leaves and analyzed by a flow cytometer. The genome size of each accession was estimated by referring to the standard genome size of chicken erythrocyte nuclei (CEN, 2.5 pg). Our results indicated that 25 among 27 investigated accessions in M. bombycis, M. alba, M. latifolia, M. australis, M. formosnensis, and M. atropurpurea are diploids with genome sizes ranging from 0.61 to 0.71 pg. ‘Elongated mulberry No. 1’ (M. laevigata) with a genome size of 1.06 pg is a triploid. Two populations were identified in the accession ‘67C001’ (M. australis Poir.) with a genome size of either 0.63 pg or 0.98 pg. Due to their similarity in appearance, we suspected that they are probably from the same origin, thus warranting further investigations. Several important vegetative characters of diploids and triploids have been estimated, including leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, petiole width, leaf thickness, and internode length, to document their correlation using the unpaired t-test. Subsequently, the statistical relationship between diploid and triploid species on some of these important characters, including leaf width, petiole width and internode length, was determined through binary regression analysis. We suggested that the internode length could provide a beneficial index to distinguish individuals with different ploidy levels in the field. Results of this study provide useful information to clarify the taxonomy of Morus and improve breeding programs aiming to advance horticulture and sericulture.

Seasonal variations of iminosugars in mulberry leaves detected by hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, sensitive, and validated method was developed for the simultaneous determination of four iminosugars, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), d-fagomine (FAG), 2-O-a-d-galactopyranosyl-DNJ (Gal-DNJ), and 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-fagomine (Glu-FAG), in mulberry leaves. The method used hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Based on this method, the seasonal variations of iminosugars in the leaves of different mulberry species (Morus alba, Morus multicaulis Perr, Morus atropurpurea Roxb. and Morus wittiorum Hand-Mazz.) collected in Guangzhou, China, during 10 consecutive months in 2013 were investigated. The results indicated that the maximum content of DNJ in the leaves of all four species occurred in summer (June or July). The highest FAG level was found in spring (April or May). The highest levels of Gal-DNJ and Glu-FAG were recorded in autumn (September or October).

Auxin Response Factor Genes Repertoire in Mulberry: Identification, and Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Analyses

Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) are at the core of the regulation mechanism for auxin-mediated responses, along with AUX/IAA proteins.They are critical in the auxin-mediated control of various biological responses including development and stress. A wild mulberry species genome has been sequenced and offers an opportunity to investigate this important gene family. A total of 17 ARFs have been identified from mulberry (Morus notabilis) which show a wide range of expression patterns. Of these 17 ARFs, 15 have strong acidic isoelectric point (pI) values and a molecular mass ranging from 52 kDa to 101 kDa. The putative promoters of these ARFs harbour cis motifs related to light-dependent responses, various stress responses and hormone regulations suggestive of their multifactorial regulation. The gene ontology terms for ARFs indicate their role in flower development, stress, root morphology and other such development and stress mitigation related activities. Conserved motif analysis showed the presence of all typical domains in all but four members that lack the PB1 domain and thus represent truncated ARFs. Expression analysis of these ARFs suggests their preferential expression in tissues ranging from leaf, root, winter bud, bark and male flowers. These ARFs showed differential expression in the leaf tissue of M. notabilis, Morus laevigata and Morus serrata. Insights gained from this analysis have implications in mulberry improvement programs.

Physicochemical Properties of White (Morus alba) and Black (Morus nigra) Mulberry Leaves, a New Food Supplement

Mulberry foliage is used to feed silkworms and others herbivorous animals due to it is highly nutritious and palatable. A large number of studies have shown the phenolic profiles of mulberry leaves. This study investigated chemical and morphological characterisation of mulberry clones leaves of Morus alba and Morus nigra. Fresh leaves samples of seven mulberry clones, four white (Morus alba) three black (Morus nigra) clones were manually collected, after collection, the samples were washed with distilled water and lyophilized. Morphological characterisation generally showed the entire leaf, almada type, base was emarginated, coined and retasa, leaf margin was acutado-serrated. Leaf weight of mulberry species ranged from 2 to 3.4 g, and peduncle length, from 37.7 to 55.9 mm. The main mineral elements in both species were Ca followed by N, K and Mg, but the in leaves of M. alba had slightly higher content than M. nigra, and all clones showed high concentrations of Fe, while sodium was 0.01 g/100 g dw in all the clones. The protein, and crude fiber, contents ranged between 13.4 (MN3) – 19.4 % dw (MA3), and 3.6 (MA3) - 8.4 g/100 g dw (MN3), respectively; M. alba generally presented had higher protein content than M. nigra, however M. nigra in general showed higher contents fiber than M. alba. Moisture ranged from 51.1 (MN3) to 66.9% (MA3) fw. Organic acids quantified, were citric (from 32.2 to 105.5 mg/100 g fw), and malic (from 43.7 to 72.5 mg/100 g fw). Mulberry leaves might be a source of new food supplements or functional foods and pharmaceutical products.

Effect of meteorological parameters and regions on accumulation pattern of phenolic compounds in different mulberry cultivars grown in China

The compositions of phenolic compounds in 10 cultivars of two mulberry species (Morus atropurpurea Roxb. and Morus alba Linn.) grown in four regions of China were analysed using HPLC-TOF-MS. Results showed that a total of 27 phenolic compounds were identified in these mulberry cultivars. The Taiwan cultivar from the Jiangsu region showed the highest concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids, quercetin derivatives, and anthocyanins. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that six mulberry cultivars grown in the region of Jiangsu, Ningxia, and Guangdong were differentiated regarding their species feature and regional characteristics. Cyanidin rhamnosylglucoside, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, dihydroquercetin, and quercetin were further screened out to be the key compounds for the differentiation of these cultivars. The correlation between the regional climate feature (including rainfall, humidity, and temperature) and the accumulation of phenolic compounds in these mulberry cultivars was established.

SCALE INSECTS (HEMIPTERA COCCOIDEA) ON MULBERRY TREES IN TURKEY

In Turkey commonly cultivated mulberry species are Morus alba L., M. nigra L., and M. rubra L (Moraceae). Mulberry fruits are widely consumed freshly or as traditional products such as mulberry molasses and mulberry dried fruit pulp. Mulberry leaves are used for sericulture. In this study, scale pests of mulberry trees were investigated mainly in Ankara and some other regions in Turkey. Eight scale insect species namely Ceroplastes japonicus Green , C. rusci (L.) , Neopulvinaria innumerabilis (Rathvon) , Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche) (Coccidae), Pseudaulacaspis pentagona Targioni-Tozzetti (Diaspididae), Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret) , Planococcus ficus (Signoret) and Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana) (Pseudococcidae) were found on the Moru s spp. P. pentagona was the most common and important pest species of the mulberry trees in research area. Populations of C.japonicus, N. innumerabilis, and P.comstocki are found at very high levels in some local gardens.

Immature mulberry fruits richness of promising constituents in contrast with mature ones: A comparative study among three Tunisian species

Mulberry is one of the most consumed fruit for its special taste, and its nutritional and medicinal properties. The present study aims to track for the first time the chemical changes occurring in three Tunisian Mulberry species: Morus alba L., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L. fruits according to four classified maturity stages. Nutritional composition showed that mulberries content varied from species to the other and from a stage to another. Protein increases during maturation while Ash decrease with surprisingly the highest amounts in Morus rubra L. Fatty acid composition proved richness of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a light decrease from immature stages to mature ones. Mulberries volatile components showed a heterogeneous composition such as mineral composition with a decrease during maturation of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese amounts). Also, polyphenols and flavonoids content became lower, reducing antioxidant potential with maturation while anthocyanins content became higher. Results proved that mulberry powdered fruits, specially Morus rubra L. have high nutritional potential and suggest immature stages valorization for human beings.