SECTION A
Define Sericulture.
A - Sericulture is the practice of cultivating silkworms (specifically the Bombyx mori species) to produce silk. It involves the entire process of silk production, from raising silkworms to harvesting silk threads.
Define moriculture.
A - Moriculture can be defined as the process of cultivating mulberry plants in order to obtain feed for silkworms. In India, close to 3,00,000 hectares of farmland is known to be committed to the cultivation of mulberry plants.
What is Biovoltanes?
A -
SECTION-B (ATTEMPT ANY THREE QUESTIONS)
2A Write the mulberry varieties.
A -
Write the different disinfection methods of rearing rooms
A - Spray 2 % formalin with 0.3% slaked lime or 2.5 % chlorine dioxide with 0.5 % slaked
lime @ 2 l/m2 area for disinfecting the rearing house immediately after completion of
rearing and three days before brushing.
Dip the rearing equipments in 2 % bleaching powder solution and sun dry before use.
Dust 5% bleaching powder with slaked lime powder @ 200 g/m2 around the rearing
house and passages and sprinkle water @ 1 lit / m2 floor area.
Enlist the non-recurring rearing appliances.
A - Non-recurring rearing appliances in sericulture or insect-rearing facilities are equipment or tools that are typically used once or infrequently and do not require regular replenishment or replacement. These appliances are essential for specific tasks or processes in insect rearing but may not be part of routine maintenance or operations. Here are some examples of non-recurring rearing appliances:
1. **Egg Trays**: Used for collecting and incubating insect eggs, such as silkworm eggs in sericulture.
2. **Pipettes**: Used for precise measurement and transfer of liquids, including rearing media or solutions for insect maintenance.
3. **Petri Dishes**: Used for culturing or observing small samples of insects, eggs, or microorganisms.
4. **Incubators**: Used for controlled temperature and humidity settings during the incubation of insect eggs or development stages.
5. **Microscopes**: Used for detailed observation and analysis of insect morphology, development stages, or pathogens.
6. **Digital Scales**: Used for accurate measurement of insect biomass, feed quantities, or rearing media components.
7. **Thermometers and Hygrometers**: Used for monitoring temperature and humidity levels in rearing environments.
8. **Heat Lamps or Heating Pads**: Used for providing supplemental heat to insect rearing containers or incubators.
9. **Sterilization Equipment**: Autoclaves or sterilizers used for sterilizing rearing media, tools, or equipment.
10. **Laboratory Glassware**: Various glassware items like beakers, flasks, and test tubes used for preparing rearing media, solutions, or conducting experiments.
11. **Fine Mesh Sieves**: Used for sieving and separating materials, such as larvae from rearing media or waste materials.
12. **Dissection Kits**: Tools and instruments used for delicate dissections of insects or parts, such as insect pins, forceps, and dissecting needles.
13. **Electrophoresis Equipment**: Used for DNA analysis, protein separation, or genetic studies in insect populations.
14. **Phytotrons or Growth Chambers**: Controlled environment chambers used for studying insect-plant interactions, behavior, or physiological responses.
15. **Cryogenic Storage Units**: Used for long-term preservation of insect samples, genetic materials, or valuable strains.
A Discuss the type of damage and symptoms and management of Uzifly
A - Uzifly (Exorista soebillans)
Type of damage
Mature maggot causes reduction in yield of cocoons and cocoon quality.
Causes death of silkworm larva.
Symptoms
o Presence of creamy white oval eggs on the skin of larvae in the initial stage.
o Presence of black scar on the larval skin
o Silkworm larvae die before they reach the spinning stage (if they are attacked in the early
stage).
o In later stage, pierced cocoon is noticed.
Management -
Provide physical barriers like wire mesh in the doors and windows of the rearing rooms.
o Spray 1 per cent benzoic acid over the larvae to kill the eggs of uzi fly.
o Dissolve the uzicide tablets in the water (2 tablets/l) to attract the adults.
SECTION-C (ATTEMPT ANY ONE PART FROM EACH QUESTION)
Q - Discuss the different types of silk and their distinguishing characters
A - There are several types of silk produced by different species of silkworms or other silk-producing insects. Each type of silk has unique characteristics that make it suitable for various applications. Here are the most common types of silk and their distinguishing characteristics:
1. **Mulberry Silk**:
- **Producing Insect**: Bombyx mori silkworms.
- **Characteristics**:
- Finest and most luxurious silk with a smooth, soft texture.
- High tensile strength and luster, making it ideal for high-quality fabrics, clothing, and textiles.
- Typically white or off-white in color but can be dyed easily.
- Prized for its durability, breathability, and ability to drape elegantly.
2. **Tussar Silk (Wild Silk)**:
- **Producing Insect**: Antheraea spp. silkworms (wild silkworms).
- **Characteristics**:
- Coarser texture compared to mulberry silk, with a slightly rough feel.
- Natural variations in color, often ranging from light beige to dark brown or golden tones.
- Less lustrous than mulberry silk but still has a soft and breathable quality.
- Used for traditional and ethnic wear, home furnishings, and decorative textiles.
3. **Eri Silk**:
- **Producing Insect**: Samia cynthia ricini (Eri silkworm).
- **Characteristics**:
- Coarse texture with a matte appearance and a wool-like feel.
- Typically creamy white or light beige in color, although it can also be dyed easily.
- Known for its warmth, softness, and hypoallergenic properties.
- Often used for winter wear, blankets, upholstery, and crafts.
4. **Muga Silk**:
- **Producing Insect**: Antheraea assamensis silkworms (Muga silkworms).
- **Characteristics**:
- Exceptionally glossy and durable silk with a golden-yellow hue.
- Naturally resistant to wrinkles and creases, retaining its sheen even after repeated washing.
- Prized for its natural luster, strength, and ability to age well with a rich patina.
- Traditionally used for Assamese traditional attire, saris, and high-end textiles.
5. **Spider Silk**:
- **Producing Insect**: Various species of spiders.
- **Characteristics**:
- Strongest natural fiber known, with exceptional tensile strength and elasticity.
- Lightweight and biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.
- Difficult to harvest in large quantities due to the challenges of farming spiders.
- Potential applications in medical sutures, bulletproof clothing, and high-performance textiles.
Briefly discuss the biology of silkworms.
A - The life cycle of silkworms consists of three main stages:
1. Egg: Eggs are laid in clusters on mulberry leaves and hatch in 10-12 days in summer or 30 days in winter. Uniholtine silkworms hatch once a year, while multivoltine ones can hatch 2-7 times.
2. Larva: Caterpillars grow by molting 4-5 times over 30-35 days, feeding on mulberry leaves. Fully grown caterpillars are creamy white and about 75 mm long.
3. Pupa (Cocoon): Cocoons, oval and white/yellow, house pupae that develop for 10-15 days before adult moths emerge. Each cocoon yields silk weighing 1.8-2 gm, with 2500 cocoons producing 1 lb (0.45 kg) of silk.
Q - What are the packages and practices in mulberry production?
A - In mulberry production, which is crucial for sericulture (silkworm rearing), various packages and practices are employed to ensure optimal mulberry cultivation. Here are some key packages and practices involved in mulberry production:
1. **Selection of Mulberry Varieties**:
- Choose suitable mulberry varieties based on climatic conditions, soil type, and intended use (e.g., for silkworm rearing or as fodder).
- Popular mulberry varieties for sericulture include Morus alba (White Mulberry), Morus indica (Indian Mulberry), and Morus nigra (Black Mulberry).
2. **Land Preparation**:
- Prepare the land by plowing, harrowing, and leveling to create a well-drained and weed-free area for mulberry cultivation.
- Incorporate organic matter or compost into the soil to improve fertility and moisture retention.
3. **Planting**:
- Plant mulberry saplings or cuttings during the suitable planting season, typically in spring or early monsoon.
- Maintain proper spacing between plants (around 5-6 feet) to allow for optimal growth and development.
4. **Irrigation**:
- Provide regular and adequate irrigation to mulberry plants, especially during dry periods or hot weather.
- Use drip irrigation or sprinkler systems for efficient water use and to avoid waterlogging.
5. **Nutrient Management**:
- Conduct soil testing to assess nutrient levels and pH, and apply fertilizers or organic amendments as needed.
- Mulberries generally require nitrogen-rich fertilizers for healthy growth and leaf production.
6. **Weed Control**:
- Implement weed control measures such as manual weeding, mulching, or herbicide application to minimize competition for nutrients and water.
- Maintain clean and weed-free rows between mulberry plants.
7. **Pest and Disease Management**:
- Monitor mulberry plants regularly for signs of pests (e.g., leaf-eating caterpillars) and diseases (e.g., powdery mildew, leaf spot).
- Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including biological control, cultural practices, and selective pesticide application if necessary.
8. **Pruning and Training**:
- Prune mulberry plants annually to remove dead or diseased branches and promote new growth.
- Train mulberry plants into desired shapes or forms, such as bushes or hedges, to facilitate harvesting and management.
9. **Harvesting**:
- Harvest mulberry leaves periodically for feeding silkworms, typically every 25-30 days during the growing season.
- Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to harvest leaves without damaging the plants.
10. **Post-Harvest Care**:
- After harvesting, ensure proper disposal of pruned leaves and plant debris to prevent pest buildup and disease spread.
- Apply mulch or organic matter around mulberry plants to conserve soil moisture and improve soil structure.
