S. Singh*, S. R. Vishwakarma, Raj Narain, M.K.Singh and N. Suryanarayana
Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Nagri-835 303, Ranchi (Jharkhand), INDIA Received 7th Jan. 2007: Revised 10th Mar. 2007
Abstract : The oak tasar silkworm, Antheraea proylei is reared in poly- houses particularly in North Western region. The poly- houses made of bamboo/wooden poles and high density polythene (HOP) are constructed temporarily in the middle of forest, where the food plants of silkworms are available in good concentration.
The poly- house presently being in use has many demerits creating unhygienic conditions resulting into spread of diseases, particularly muscardine in the silkworms. The muscardine infected worms, suffer from stiffening of the body followed by fungal outgrowths and subsequent mummification. Although muscardine infected worms usually die in larval stage, yet sometimes form cocoons and pupae die inside cocoon resulting in loss of subsequent generation.
The present paper deals with the use of modified poly-house for silkworm rearing as designed by CTR& TI. This modification would facilitate for maintaining good hygienic condition by reducing relative humidity inside the poly house and minimizing the asexual reproduction of fungus and also other disease causing agents, which infect the silkworm. By adopting important prophylactic measures and certain technologies viz., dusting of TKO, sodium hypochlorite spray as evolved by CTR&TI, Ranchi for tropical tasar, the cocoon yield in oak tasar can be effectively improved.
Be First to Comment