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Silkworm Rearing and Cocoon Parameters: Implications for Quality Silk Production in Southern Karnataka

Author: Akarsha M.R., Harshitha C., Aarushi Sharma and Devika Sharma

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Abstract

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) for silk production, is an integral part of rural socio-economic development in India. With an emphasis on the importance of mulberry leaves' quality in cocoon production, the study evaluates the impact of these leaves on the growth and development of Bombyx mori L. silkworms. The research was conducted in the Mysuru district, focusing on five farmers and assessing multiple post-cocoon parameters, including cocoon, pupae, and shell weights, as well as filament length, denier, and renditta. Findings highlighted variations among farmers in various metrics. For instance, Farmer-2 had the highest matured larval weight, while Farmer-3 exhibited the highest cocoon weight. Moreover, the quality of silk and cocoon parameters were found to be directly influenced by the nutritive status of mulberry leaves. The study's outcomes concur with previous research, underscoring the significance of the right silkworm-mulberry combination for achieving optimal silk quality.

Keywords

Sericulture, silkworm, cocoon parameters, farmers

Conclusion

Sericulture, the practice of rearing silkworms for silk, plays a vital role in rural socio-economic development. This study's findings align with previous research on the optimal combinations of silkworms and mulberries for premium silk production, suggesting that the V1 mulberry variety leads to superior larval weight, cocoon weight, and other silk qualities. In contrast, the M5 mulberry variety produced inferior results. By addressing these specific areas and continuously monitoring results, custom-tailored training sessions can be provided based on each farmer's strengths and weaknesses to provide more consistent and improved quality of silk production in the future.

References

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How to cite this article

Akarsha M.R., Harshitha C., Aarushi Sharma and Devika Sharma (2023). Silkworm Rearing and Cocoon Parameters: Implications for Quality Silk Production in Southern Karnataka. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 163-167.