A Study on the extent of Uzi Fly infestation on Muga Cocoons in the Districts of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji of Assam

Author: Dipankar Brahma, Rushali Chakraborty, Roshmi Borah Dutta, Vasanth V. and Nilav Ranjan Bora

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Abstract

Since muga silkworms are reared outdoors, a variety of pests and diseases attacks the silkworm frequently. The Uzi fly, or Exorista sorbillans, is a parasitic dipteran fly that lays its eggs mostly on late intar muga silkworm larvae. The Uzi fly's maggots enter the larval body after hatching from the eggs and consume the silkworm's tissue and fat bodies. After emerging from the cocoons, the mature maggots pupate in the grainage hall. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of Uzi fly infestation on Muga cocoons in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam and analyse the factors contributing to the infestation. A total of 500 cocoons were collected during all the four crop seasons from different muga rearing areas of both the districts and the percentage of infestation was recorded. The study found that the infestation rate varied among seasons, with the highest infestation recorded during Chotua crop (March-April) at 46.8% and the lowest during Kotia crop (Oct.-Nov.) at 20.4%. Meteorological data, such as maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and number of rainy days, were also recorded and analyzed to identify the factors contributing to Uzi fly infestation. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that temperature and rainfall significantly influenced the Uzi fly infestation. With the increase in temperature and rainfall the infestation of Uzi fly increases drastically. Because silkworm harvests are available year-round, the uzi fly can persist and establish itself in Muga rearing areas. Difficulties and lack of control measures also play a major role in the infestation of Uzi fly.

Keywords

Muga, Uzi fly, Chotua crop, Kotia crop, temperature, rainfall, Assam

Conclusion

In conclusion, Muga silk holds a significant place in the Sericulture industry of Assam, and the demand for it has been rapidly expanding in recent years. However, the production of Muga silk is often hindered by various pests and diseases, such as the Uzi fly, which infests the Muga cocoons and causes significant damage. This infestation results in the loss of valuable silk and affects the livelihood of the farmers who rely on the Muga silk production. Therefore, the study of the prevalence of Uzi fly infestation on Muga cocoons in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam and the anlaysis of the factors contributing to the infestation are crucial to understand the severity of the problem and develop effective strategies to control it. The findings of this study can be used to formulate policies and interventions to mitigate the damage caused by Uzi fly infestation and ensure sustainable Muga silk production in Assam.

References

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How to cite this article

Dipankar Brahma, Rushali Chakraborty, Roshmi Borah Dutta, Vasanth V. and Nilav Ranjan Bora (2023). A Study on the extent of Uzi Fly infestation on Muga Cocoons in the Districts of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji of Assam. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1152-1157.