Sericulture is closely associated with the cultivation of which plant?

The correct answer is A. Mulberry.

Sericulture is the production of silk. It is closely associated with the cultivation of mulberry trees, which are the food source for silkworms. Silkworms are caterpillars that spin silk cocoons around themselves as they grow. The cocoons are then harvested and the silk is extracted.

Coconut, cotton, and arecanut are not closely associated with sericulture. Coconut trees are the source of coconuts, which are a type of fruit. Cotton plants are the source of cotton, which is a type of fiber. Arecanut palms are the source of areca nuts, which are a type of seed.