In this article we will discuss about the mulberry plant cultivation.

The larvae of Bombyx mori feed only on mulberry leaves. For regular rearing, a con­tinuous supply of healthy leaves is essential.

1. Selected plots of high lands are pre­pared by ploughing, leveling and manur­ing.

2. Saplings are implanted there after sufficient rainfall.

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3. Watering, manuring and tilling of the soil around the saplings are done regularly.

4. The fields are protected from herbi­vores.

Common diseases of silkworm and their management:

Viral, fungal, bacterial and protozoon infection cause much loss to silk industry.

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Following are the most common diseases of silkworm:

1. Pabrine:

Caused by protozoan para­site Nosema bombycis. This is both contagious and hereditary (transovarian). The larva be­comes thin and elongated with black spots over the body.

Control:

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Infected female and their eggs should be destroyed, to protect healthy eggs from attack.

2. Flacherie:

It is a noninfectious, bacte­rial disease. The larva develops black streaks on the body. The disease causes softening of the skin leading to physiological disabil­ity and death.

Control:

Improved healthy stocks should be reared carefully.

3. Grasserie:

It is a viral disease. The infected larva swells up, turns restless and becomes yellow in colour.

Control:

Eggs should be treated with 1% NaOH solution for 2 minutes and cleanli­ness must be maintained.

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4. Muscardine:

It is a fungal disease caused by Isaria farinesa. The disease pro­duces coloured marks on the skin. The larva becomes stiff.

Control:

Maintenance of resistant stock is essential. The infected larvae should be destroyed.

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