Effect of Graded Level of Nutrients on Quality of tree Mulberry and Larval Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Author: Ashish S. Karur, Doreswamy C., Basanagouda Jekinakatti, Banuprakash, K.G., Chandrashekar S. Kallimani and Shashikumar C.

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Abstract

The study titled "Performance of bivoltine seed crop on graded level of nutrients in tree mulberry" was conducted during 2022 at Krishi Vignana Kendra, Haradanahalli Farm, Chamarajanagara, to determine the impact of optimal nutrient combination on quality of mulberry. The findings highlighted that the plants treated with 40 tonnes FYM/ha/yr along with 125 per cent RDF and foliar spray of POSHAN exhibited superior characteristics such as higher moisture percentage (76.80 %), moisture retention capacity (93.30 %), crude protein (20.33 %), chlorophyll 'a' (1.57 mg/g) and 'b' (1.03 mg/g), and total chlorophyll content (2.57 mg/g). These results reveal the importance of nutrient management strategies, specifically emphasizing the significant role of organic and inorganic fertilizers combined with foliar applications in enhancing the nutritional and physiological aspects of mulberry plants. Such insights contribute significantly to optimizing agricultural practices for mulberry cultivation, thereby enhancing productivity and quality in sericulture systems.

Keywords

Bivoltine, Tree mulberry, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Micronutrients, Graded level of nutrients.

Conclusion

A comprehensive scientific investigation into mulberry leaf parameters reveals significant influences on moisture percentage, moisture retention capacity (MRC), crude protein content, and chlorophyll content by the combined application of fertilizers and these are the crucial factors for optimizing mulberry plant productivity in sericulture. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) at 40 t/ha/yr demonstrates superior performance across parameters, notably yielding highest moisture percentages, MRC, crude protein content, and chlorophyll levels, with synergistic effects observed particularly in combined treatments with NPK at 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and foliar spray of micronutrients (POSHAN), highlighting the pivotal role of nutrient management strategies in enhancing mulberry leaf quality and photosynthetic efficiency. The larval progression (%) of FC1 breed peaked at 98% in treatments T8, T13, T14, T15, and T16, while FC2 breed showed its highest progression in treatments T8 (A1B4C2 – 20 T FYM/ha/yr + 125% RDF + Foliar spray of POSHAN), T14 (A2B3C2 – 40 T FYM/ha/yr + 100% RDF + Foliar spray of POSHAN), and T15 (A2B4C1 – 40 T FYM/ha/yr + 125% RDF) at 98.74%. Non-significant differences were observed between these treatments for both breeds. Regarding larval weight, significant differences were noted in FC2 breed, whereas FC1 breed showed non-significant differences

References

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How to cite this article

Ashish S. Karur, Doreswamy C., Basanagouda Jekinakatti, Banuprakash, K.G., Chandrashekar S. Kallimani and Shashikumar C. (2024). Effect of Graded Level of Nutrients on Quality of tree Mulberry and Larval Parameters of Silkworm Bombyx mori L. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(5): 53-59.