Vol. 8, Special Issue 9, Part B (2024)

Mulberry trees are indeed remarkable for their versatility and environmental benefits. Their wide distribution across various continents and ability to thrive in different climates make them a significant plant species. The robust root system of the mulberry tree plays a crucial role in improving soil shear strength and enhancing the land's resistance to erosion. This not only helps in the conservation of water and prevention of soil erosion but also contributes to the restoration of degraded lands due to heavy metal contamination and the bioremediation of polluted sites. This review explores the role of mulberry in the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals such as Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium and Cobalt, as well as its potential for improving soil quality in polluted environments.

Also highlights the different mechanism and response mulberry plant to heavy metals. Recent advances in mulberry research related to heavy metal response are highlighted, with a focus on its ecological functions. The discussion also covers the well-developed root system of mulberry roots which is non-hyper accumulator, having rapid growth rate, and resilience to specific environmental stressors. The paper also examines the potential implications of heavy metal accumulation in mulberry leaves on the health and productivity of the silkworm, an important economic insect that feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves.