Mulberry

Bombyx mori is reared on the mulberry, considering the economical conditions, such as rainfall and the nature of soil, different systems of plantations for raising mulberry are practiced in India. In the rainfed areas, mulberry is planted at a distance of 7.6 X 7.6 cm and under irrigation the spacing of 5 cm X 5 cm and the row system are followed. In India where the temperature ranges from 16⁰C to 31⁰C, The silkworm Bombyx mori are reared throughout the year. The total life span of this silkworm is 50 days, out of these egg stage is 10 days, larval stage is 25-30 days and the pupa stage is 10 days. It passes 4 moults during growth. At the end of the larval duration, the silkworm emits silk from its mouth and constructs a cocoon on a scaffolding. The average annual yield of cocoons in India is as low as 150 kg under rainfed conditions, and under irrigated conditions it is about 400 kg. The cocoons are cooked in hot water and the silk fibre is unwound from the cocoons. This process is called reeling.

Ag.
Technologies
(Sericulture)