Silkworm Physiology
Project No.:MIMB
Organization :Madras Institute of Magneto-biology, Chennai
Project Title :Effect of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on sericulture-Chawki rearing.
Personnel :Leela Priya, Dilip KS, Qadri MH, Zahira Beevi, Ramaswamy
Project Period :2002-2006
Objectives : To study the pulsed magnetic field on chawki silkworm rearing.
Results/Recommendations :Results indicated that reduction in larval duration by 28-30 hr, improvement in cocoon yield and SR%, by exposing the silkworm larva to pulsed magnetic field during different stages of chawki rearing.
Source of Information :From the authors
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Project No.:MAC1
Organization :Maharani’s Arts College for Women, Bangalore
Project Title :A pilot study on the impact of various CSS schemes (mulberry sector) on sericulturists in the three Southern traditional sericulture states of India.
Personnel :Venkateshappa KS, Francis CR
Funding Source :Central Silk Board, Bangalore
Project Period :2006
Objectives :
· Cost benefit ratio of sericulturists before and after CSS assistance.
· To assess the actual benefits received by the sericulturists under CSS.
· Evaluate technology absorption and adoption.
· Problems and constraints involved with CSS.
Results/Recommendations :
· CSS schemes helped sericulturists in improving their economic condition.
· Rampant pilferage in the implementation of CSS schemes (Illegal amount).
· Educational level influenced on productivity.
· New technology adoption-drip irrigation shoot rearing, V1, new rearing houses are lacking.
· Problems in the payment of subsidy.
· Expansion and strengthening of drip irrigation.
· Do away with subsidy for disinfectants.
· Establishment of seri-societies, seri-clinics, information bank, credit bank, new concept of cluster, R&D efforts.
· Promotion of SGHS, simplification in availing subsidy, Bivoltine race.
Source of Information :Information from the authors
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Project No.:MAC2
Organization : Maharani’s Arts College for Women, Bangalore
Project Title :The role of sericulture in eradicating poverty in Karnataka.
Personnel :Venkateshappa KS
Funding Source :UGC, New Delhi
Project Period :2000-2003
Objectives :
· To estimate the income and employment generation in sericulture.
· To examine the cost and net returns.
· To study how far sericulture has reduced poverty under economic reforms.
· To test the Engel’s Curve and Lorenz Curve hypothesis.
Results/Recommendations :
· Sericulture is a source of regular employment for the farmers-female more.
· Cost of production is less than revenue sericulture has reduced poverty with all the major problems.
· Even though poverty has been reduced, inequalities has increased.
· There is supply-demand gap.
· Production process of the silk industry should have upward and downward linkages.
· Silkworm crop insurance to fight risks and perils involved in the actively.
· Timely supply of superior quality silkworm seed alone sustains.
· Encouragement of new races and technologies.
· Promote production of bivoltine silk.
Source of Information :Information from the authors
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Projects with incomplete/partial information
Project No.:MAC3
Organization :Maharani’s Arts College for Women, Bangalore
Project Title :Impact of WTO on Indian Sericulture Industry- A case study of Karnataka.
Personnel :Venkateshappa KS
Funding Source :UGC, New Delhi
Project Period :2005
Objectives :
· To know the generation of income and employment in sericulture.
· To estimate the supply-demand mismatch.
· Impact of WTO on sericulture in terms of fall in price, employment, output, profit, economic condition etc.
Source of Information :Information from the authors
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Non-mulberry (Tasar Culture)
Project No.:NU1
Organization :Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur
Project Title :Silk gland development and silk protein synthesis in tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta.
Personnel :Barsagade DD, Tembhare DB
Funding Source :UGC, New Delhi
Project Period :1994-1997
Objectives :
· To study development and histomorphological structure of silk gland from 1st to 5th instar larvae in tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta.
· To study the secretory cycle, synthesis, storage and transport of silk protein
· To study the ultrastructural study on silk synthesis.
· To study the effect of various factors on silk protein synthesis.
· To study the neuroendocrine regulation of silk protein synthesis.
· To study the effect of various pathogen and hormones on silk protein synthesis.
Results/Recommendations :
· SEM study show cuticular structure of spinneret. Fillip’s gland cells lined internally with porous cuticular intima.
· Silk protein synthesis starts after 6 days and continued upto onset of spinning.
· Silk gland secretory activity changes with change in photoperiod. The medial group of neurosecretary cells, MNC regulate the silk protein synthesis activity mostly MNC-C cells. Pathogen infection causes adverse effect on silk protein secretion.
· Semi-domesticated rearing of tasar silkworm (upto 3rd instar) can carried out by rearing larvae in indoor condition.
· Ambient photoperiod is best for good cropping.
Source of Information :From the Project Personnel
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Project with incomplete/partial information
Project No.:NU2
Organization :Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur
Project Title :Amino acids in insects and their significance.
Personnel :Barsagade DD, Ghanmode S, Pendam VR, Rathi SD
Funding Source :UGC, New Delhi
Project Period :1974-1977
Source of Information :From the Project Personnel
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Project No.:NU3
Organization :Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur
Project Title :Biology and control of fruit sucking moth.
Personnel :Barsagade DD, Ghanmode S, Pendam VR, Rathi SD
Funding Source :Maharashtra State Science and Technology Cell,
Project Period :1985-1988
Source of Information :From the Project Personnel
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Project No.:NU4
Organization :Department of Zoology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur
Project Title :Biology and silk synthesis in tasar silkworm.
Personnel :Barsagade DD, Ghanmode S, Pendam VR, Rathi SD
Funding Source :UGC, New Delhi
Project Period :1995-1998
Objectives :
· To study the life cycle of tasar silkworm.
· To study the feeding and digestion in tasar silkworm.
· To study the silk gland development, structure and synthesis.
· To study the endocrine control of metamorphosis, reproduction, silk protein synthesis.
Source of Information :From the Project Personnel
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Extension
Project No :NABARD 1
Organization :NABARD, Mumbai
Project Title :Sericulture in Tami Nadu: An ex-post evaluation study.
Personnel :Rajan, Gopakumaran Nair G, Premkumar PA
Funding Source :NABARD
Project Period :1993-1995
Objectives :
· To study the progress in financing sericulture in Tamil Nadu.
· To assess the performance of various agencies in scheme implementation.
· To assess the benefits from investment in sericulture farm sector activities.
· To estimate the actual cost of investment.
· To study the viability of investment in sericulture.
· To assess the trends in cocoon price.
· To identify the problems in mulberry cultivation & cocoon production.
Results/Recommendations :
· Cost of mulberry farm maintenance = Rs. 9636/ yr.
· Cocoon rearing = Rs. 8439/ yr and average cocoon yield= Rs. 38 kgs/100 dfls.
· Gross income from cocoon sale = Rs. 31931 & net income = Rs.13,856
· Labour requirement = 241 man days (1st year) & 388 man days (subsequent years).
· Family labour absorbed is 67 % & 60 % during 1st and subsequent years.
· Supply of rearing materials through SHG may be encouraged.
· Banks should extend credit support to new farms instead of the existing farms.
· Financial assistance should be provided to the resource poor farmers.
· Low cost technologies should be developed.
Source of information :Completed Project Report:1995
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Project No :NABARD 2
Organization :National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, Bangalore.
Project Title :Sericulture in Kolar and Tumkur districts.
Personnel : Viswanathan KV, Jayaraman B, Reddy CV
Project Period :2003
Objectives :
· To analyze the implementation aspects of sericulture development programme with particular reference to the techno-economic parameters.
· To estimate the actual cost of investment in sericulture development and assess the adequacy or otherwise of the loan disbursed.
· To assess the benefit from investment in farm sector activities in sericulture, viz., mulberry cultivation and rearing of silkworm, in terms of production, productivity income and employment generation.
· To assess the financial viability of investment in sericulture enterprise.
· To assess the adequacy and effectiveness of forward and backward linkages including input availability, marketing facilities, extension services, etc.
· To analyze the repayment performance of the beneficiaries financed for sericulture development.
· To estimate the macro impact of investment in terms of addition to Gross domestic production and employment generation.
Results/Recommendations :The study revealed that the maximum amount of credit has flown to constructions of rearing houses and purchase of rearing equipments in the recent years. Investments in new mulberry plantations were being made by the farmers from their own resources. In the case of rearing house loans was observed that 50% of the sample farmers were not having sufficient mulberry garden to carry out the rearing as per the capacity of the rearing house proposed. The average capacity utilization was only to the extent of 40-41% in 2 districts studied. For the sample as a whole the capacity utilization in respect of mulberry garden was also less (38-50%). These findings indicate that the average norms specified for advancing rearing house loans was not observed by the implementing banks. Secondly, the observation that 42% of the farmers had built rearing house larger than the area proposed and were using the same as dwelling cum rearing houses was also against the stipulation of financing separate rearing houses. The repayment period fixed by the implementing banks, of 10 half yearly installments, was also against the stipulation of a repayment period of 6-7 years by NABARD.
Source of Information :Beneficiary Assessment Report:2003
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Silkworm Physiology
Project No.:NAU
Organization :Department of Agriculture, NM College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
Project Title :Studies on mulberry sericulture in South Gujarat.
Personnel :Naik MM, Patel MB
Project Period :1990-1993
Objectives :
· Research studies on feasibility of rearing of mulberry silkworm in south Gujarat.
· Study on economic viability of the sericulture industry based on the most suitable species of mulberry silkworm in Gujarat.
· To carry out research study on life table and to study the different key mortality factors to overcome difficulties in rearing of mulberry silkworm.
Results/Recommendations :
· Improved mulberry silkworm races were found out and recommended to the farmers for rearing purpose (NB18, NB4D2, PM x NB4D2, Nistari x NB18).
· Standardize the package of practices of mulberry raising and rearing of silkworm for farmers and leaflets/folders prepared and distributed.
· Provided technical know-how for pest and disease management in silkworm rearing.
· Feasibility studies on development of ericulture in Gujarat and its results is favourable.
· Recommended the mulberry silkworm races, NB18, NB4D2, NB7, KA and PM x NB4D2 based on performance.
· Recommended the mulberry varieties S30, S1635 and S36 for the rearing of PM x NB4D2 to the farmers of Gujarat.
Project Outcome :Various techniques are developed for effective/economical rearing of mulberry silkworm and mulberry varieties.
Source of Information :From the authors
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Incomplete information/Partial information
Project No.:NAU
Organization :Department of Entomology, NM College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
Project Title :Various techniques developed for effective and economical rearing of silkworm.
Personnel : Naik MM, Patel MB
Results/Recommendations :
Results/Recommendations :In local method at silkworm rearing in residence house where in damage due to rat and lizards affected the cocoon production, while in the improved technologies rearing is done under condition so damage due to rat/lizards is prevented.
For successful rearing of silkworm
Source of Information :Information from the authors
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Silkworm Physiology
Project No.:PAU
Organization :Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Project Title :Studies on qualitative and quantitative traits in some strains of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L.
Personnel :Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Mavi GS
Project Period :1997-2000
Objectives :To ascertain the extent of variability, combining ability, heritability, genetic advance and heterosis in eight promising bivoltine silkworm strains (KA, NB7, NB18, NB4D2, PAM101, SF19, SH6 and YS3) with respect to economically important traits by crossing them in 8x8 full diallel fashion.
Results/Recommendations :
Project Outcome :SH6 x KA (strains of Bombyx mori ) found a good specific cross under Punjab conditions.
Source of Information :Information from the authors (Ph.D. Thesis)
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Extension
Project No.:PAU
Organization :Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Project Title :Development of sericulture technology under sub-tropical conditions.
Personnel : Mavi GS, Khajuria HN
Funding Source :CSB, Bangalore
Project Period :1994-1996
Objectives :
Moriculture:
· Collection & identification of elite trees and establishment of colonal bank and breeding population.
· Evolution of new mulberry types with improved & extended leaf production.
· Testing and standardization of cultural techniques for raising mulberry.
Sericulture:
· Standardization of silkworm rearing technology using local materials.
· Testing of alternate food sources.
· Use of hormones and other growth regulators for getting more yield of silk cocoon.
Results/Recommendations :
Moriculture :
· Germplasm collected from J&K, Punjab, Haryana and U.P.
· Germplasm bank established at PAU, Ludhiana.
· Germplasm bank will help in identifying the best sources and future-breeding programme.
· From the germplasm bank, three clones i.e. Punjab Local, Mandalaya and S146 were selected on the basis of growth parameters for detailed study.
· Mandaley and S146 performed better in comparison to Punjab Local with respect to plant biomass.
· More biomass/plant was recorded under wider spacing (100x100cm²) but on unit area basis the 33x100 cm² distance yield maximum biomass.
· 50 cm and 70 cm pruning height are suitable for more number of branches/plant.
· 33x100 cm spacing at 50 and 70 cm pruning height produced more shoots.
· Application of 120 kg N/ha has good results.
· Package and practices of mulberry has been prepared.
Mulberry raising :Mulberry varieties viz., Punjab local, S146 and Mandaley are quite suitable feeds for silkworm rearing under Punjab conditions. 1/20th ha (one kanal) mulberry orchard with 2000 saplings has to be raised at close plant spacings (50x50 cms) and the plants trained like bushes for supporting 100 layings of silkworm. One laying means approximately 400 eggs laid by one female silk moth during first night of oviposition. Transplanting of mulberry saplings in the field is done during July-August and December-January under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Application of farm yard manure (FYM) @ 5 tonnes and 120-150 kg Nitrogen/ha are recommended. Two prunings are to be done, first in December and second in July. Mulberry leaves may be plucked for feeding to the silkworms after six months of transplanting the mulberry cuttings in the field under irrigated conditions and one year under the rainfed conditions.
Sericulture :
· First three weeks of March are ideal for brushing the spring crops of mulberry silkworm.
· Three crops may be planned in spring season by brushing at 10 days interval.
· Out of pure races SF19, YS3 and NB7 & performed well under Ludhiana (Punjab) conditions.
· Out of 10 hybrids tested SH6 x NB4D2 and SH6 x KA performed well under Ludhiana (Punjab) conditions.
· Three and four feeding schedule were found to be at par hence three feeding schedule may be recommended for silkworm rearing.
· Upto chawki rearing chopped leaves should be used whereas for grown up larval (4th & 5th stage) rearing cut leaves may be preferred over full leaf and shoot feeding.
· Three crops of eri worm may be taken during winter lean period of Bombyx mori rearing.
· Fresh hen egg shells and peacock feathers may be used as repellent for gecko (house lizard) a predator of silkworms.
· Leaf webber and Bihar hairy caterpillar were recorded as insect-pests of mulberry plant under Punjab conditions.
Silkworm rearing :The silk seed is multiplied and processed by the Divisional Sericulture Officer, Sujanpur (Pathankot) and the third instar worms are supplied to the sericulturists.
Four silkworm hybrids namely, SH6 x KA, KA x SH6, NB4D2 x SH6, SH6 x NB4D2 are recommended for rearing in North India including the Punjab by the RSRS, Central Silk Board, Sahaspur (Dehradun).
Rearing season :There are two periods which are suitable for silkworm rearing under field conditions i.e., March-April (spring season) and Sep.-Oct. (Autumn season), the former being better than the latter.
Disinfection of rearing room and equipments :Disinfect the rearing room and equipments with 3 percent formalin solution before starting silkworm rearing to avoid infection due to diseases like grasserie and flacherie.
Rearing of young worms (chawki rearing) :The worms upto third instar are known as chawki worms. A standard unit of one ounce silk seed (100 layings) producing 30,000 to 40,000 worms can be reared in 5 wooden trays (120 x 90 x 10cm). Four feedings of tender chopped leaves are given daily. These chawki worms require 65 kg mulberry leaves for their development during a period of 10-12 days.
Source of Infomration :Information from the authors
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Silkworm Physiology
Project No.:RAGC
Organization :Rani Anna Govt. College (W), Tirunelveli
Project Title :Probiotic utilization in sericulture to augment silk production from mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori.
Personnel :Padma Latha C
Funding source: UGC
Project Period :2005-2006
Objectives :
· Application of gut probiotics and neutraceutical to enhance the efficiency of mulberry utilization in B. mori.
· Application of probiotics to enhance immunity against flacherie disease in B. mori and to improve its protein profile.
· Application of probiotics and neutraceuticals to improve economic characters of silkworm.
Results/Recommendations :The presence of new protein band (with a maximum intensity 150, relative mobility value 0.27382 and Area percentage of protein expression value 2.94) was observed at 4th band site in 1% Lact-Act treated case. This band development is indicative of a new protein development in Lact-Act 1% treated larvae. Densitometric pattern of haemolymph proteins and densitometric analysis of the haemolymph of control and supplements treated larvae showed much variation. The optical density range was between 1-2. The OD values showed a relationship between densitometric value and diet. O.D values for storage protein in Lact-Act 3%, Spirulina 3% and Amnovit 2% were 30.8%, 25.73% and 10.27% respectively. Vitellogenic protein in supplemented cases also showed a greater densitometric value than the control.
Source of Information :From the authors
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Non-Mulberry (Muga Culture)
Project No.:RRL
Organization :Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat
Project Title :Biochemical studies on certain enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism of some stages of development of silkworms Antheraea assama Westwood and Philosamia ricini Boisduval.
Personnel : Arundhuti Choudhari
Project Period :1994-1998
Objectives :To study on certain enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism at some stages of development of silkworms Antheraea assama west wood and Philosamia ricini Boisduval
Results/Recommendations :Fluctuation of activity in some enzymes and metabolites in the whole body of Antheraea assama and Philosamia ricini during developmental stages. Fluctuation of activity in some, enzymes and metabolites in the silk gland and haemolymph of Antheraea assama and Philosamia ricini during 4th and 5th instars and spinning period. Estimation of molecular weight by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Source of Information :Ph.D. Thesis, 1998
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Project No.:RRL
Organization : Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat
Project Title :Neuroendocrine regulation of silk protein biosynthesis in the silk gland of muga silkworm, Antheraea assama.
Personnel : Unni BG, Wann SB, Archana Yadav
Funding Source :DBT, New Delhi and CSB, Bangalore
Project Period :1994-1997
Objectives :To study the role of endocrine system with respect to the regulation of silk protein biosynthesis in the silk gland of muga silkworm.
Results/Recommendations :A very clear and systematic correlation was observed with respect to the functional properties of neuro-secretary cells in the brain and silk protein biosynthesis in the silk gland of muga silkworm.
Source of information: From the project personnel
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Project No.:RRL
Organization : Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat
Project Title :Exploration of som (Machilus bombycina) germplasm of North East India and selection of superior varieties for muga silkworm (Antheraea assama) nutrition.
Personnel : Choudhury SN, Bhattacharya PR
Funding Source :NEC, Shillong
Project Period :1995-2000
Objectives :
· To select most palatable som plant for muga silkworm.
· To study the essential oil constituents, which improve growth.
· To study chemical constituents of leaf and their effect on silkworm growth.
Results/Recommendations :
· Aldehyde constituents in the essential oil are more suitable for muga silkworm.
· High sugar in leaf, low crude fibre, higher chlorophyll, ascorbic acid content and pH <5 are ideal for rearing of muga silkworm.
· Muga rearing may be conducted on high aldehyde containing plants (found in essential oil).
· An attempt may be made to determine the high sugar and low fiber containing plants (Som) from NE Indian germplasm.
Source of information: From the project personnel
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Project No.:RRL
Organization : Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat
Project Title :Biochemical and molecular aspects of non-mulberry silkworms.
Personnel : Unni BG, Wann SB, Archana Yadav
Funding Source : CSIR, New Delhi
Project Period :1997-2002
Objectives :Biochemistry, endocrinology and nutritional studies of silkworm and silkworm host plants with respect to silk protein biosynthesis and silk production in non-mulberry silkworm.
Results/Recommendations :The most essential biochemical constituents required for the silkworm growth, most suitable nature of the plants and leaves needed for the silkworm to get maximum silk production were established. Also studied the effect of certain factors/hormones of plants and insect origin on silkworm to get more silk production also established. The biochemical pathways leading to silk production in the silk gland of silkworm were also studied and correlated.
Source of information: From the project personnel
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Project No.:RRL
Organization : Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat
Project Title :Some biochemical aspects of silk protein biosynthesis in the silk gland of Antheraea assama Westwood during developmental stages.
Personnel : Putul ch Saikia
Project Period :1997-2001
Objectives : To study biochemical aspects of silk protein, biosynthesis in the silk gland of Antheraea assama West wood during developmental stages.
Results/Recommendations :
· Quantification of total free amino acids from the silk gland of muga silkworm Antheraea assama during developmental stages.
· Variation of aspartate and alkaline amino transferase activity during larval development and spinning period.
· Isolation and identification of free amino acid composition of silk fibre of muga silkworm fed on primary host plants.
Source of Information :Ph.D. Thesis, 2001
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