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Considering that sericulture is an important branch of animal husbandry, not only for the production of silk but also as a valuable source of protein, it is necessary to constantly study the possibilities for its improvement as a branch of this domain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the nutritional value and digestibility of mulberry leaves from the Kokuso 21 and Eforie varieties, as consumed by silkworms (Bombyx mori L., Bombicidae Family, Lepidoptera Order) during a summer study, in 2021. The Japanese variety (Kokuso 21) and the Romanian variety (Eforie) were used as food sources for the Triumf hybrid, developed in Romania; the larvae were divided in two batches of 300 larvae and each set was subdivided into six groups of 50 larvae, which were raised in paper trays based on their age and size. The research indicated that mulberry leaves have an average digestibility value of 54.46%; the aging process of the leaves altered their chemical composition, with most nutrients showing a decreasing trend in digestibility throughout the larval growth period, except for crude fiber, which remained unchanged in the early larval stages and increased to 26.78% towards the end of the experiment. Overall, the Kokuso 21 variety demonstrated superior nutrient digestibility compared to Eforie. An important finding from this study is the need for future research to determine the degree of nutrient metabolism and conversion into silk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk farming is an agro based industry which involves production of silk from silkworm. The different varieties of leaf of Morus alba L. are the solo source of the food for silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). The nutritional enrichment of mulberry leaves plays a very important role in yielding good quality cocoons. In recent years, chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) have become one of the world's most recognizable foods to have good protein content and its higher proportion of á-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids making it a good nutritional supplement. In the present investigation the effect of different chia seeds concentrations (1, 1.50 and 2.0% w/v) were used along with the mulberry leaves fed ad libitum to know its effect on food utilization and growth in the silkworm double hybrid FC1 x FC2 race from I to V instar larvae at 25±2°C with relative humidity of 75±5% and control were taken for comparing the experimental work. The food utilization parameters like food intake, faeces defecation, assimilation, food converted, oxidation, feeding rate, assimilation rate, conversion rate, metabolic rate, assimilation efficiency and conversion efficiency (K1 and K2) were studied. Results showed that the mulberry leaves supplemented with chia seeds as a feed to B. mori has direct effect on enhancing the growth of the larva, reduced larval period and food intake compared to control group. It has been observed that the 2.0% chia seeds treated group plays a significant role with an increase in growth and better food intake which averaged 6171.519 mg/mg/day compared to control group i.e., 3831.965 mg/mg/day and followed by other two chia seeds treated groups i.e., 1.50 and 2.0% concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out at Department of Sericulture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru to know the effect of foliar application of different volumes of nano nitrogen on growth and yield of mulberry and its subsequent effect on silkworm Bombyx mori L. (FC1 X FC2). The study resulted in significant improvement in silkworm (FC1 x FC2), when fed with mulberry leaves raised with different volumes of nano nitrogen fertilizer. Significantly shorter fifth instar larval duration (8.67 days), higher fifth instar larval weight (36.65 g/10 larvae) and better ERR (100 %) were observed from the silkworm batches fed with leaves harvested from mulberry plants raised with foliar application of 0.4% nano nitrogen fertilizer @ 225 ltr per acre on 25th day after pruning + 50% soil application of N, which was on par with silkworm batches fed with leaves harvested from mulberry plants raised with foliar application of 0.4% nano nitrogen fertilizer @ 200 ltr per acre on 25th day after pruning + 50% soil application of N showing shorter fifth instar larval duration (8.67 days), higher fifth instar larval weight (36.07 g/10 larvae) and better ERR (100 %). The cocoon parameters of silkworm (FC1 x FC2) viz., cocoon yield by weight (22.62 kg/10,000 worms), cocoon yield by number (10,000 / 10,000 worms), cocoon weight (2.26 g), cocoon shell weight (0.50 g), pupal weight (1.77 g), cocoon shell ratio (21.90 %) and reeling parameters viz., average filament length (1280.46 m) and non-breakable filament length (1251.01 m) were significantly superior in the silkworm groups fed with leaves harvested from mulberry plants raised with foliar application of 0.4% nano nitrogen fertilizer @ 225 ltr per acre on 25th day after pruning + 50% soil application of N, which was on par with the silkworm batches fed with leaves harvested from mulberry plants raised with foliar application of 0.4% nano nitrogen fertilizer @ 200 ltr per acre on 25th day after pruning + 50% soil application of N showing cocoon yield by weight (22.50 kg/10,000 worms), cocoon yield by number (10,000 / 10,000 worms), cocoon weight (2.25 g), cocoon shell weight (0.48 g), pupal weight (1.77 g), cocoon shell ratio (21.45 %) and reeling parameters viz., average filament length (1232.10 m) and non-breakable filament length (1197.60 m). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the earliest fibers used by mankind is silk, which was first cultivated in China. Mulberry silk is produced from Bombyx Mori which feeds on mulberry tree leaves. Bombyx Mori silkworm, hatching from its egg after 8–10 days of incubation, starts spinning its cocoon around itself on the 25th or 28th day. These cocoons are subjected to dry heat or boiling water which kills the pupae. Most of the silk consumers in Turkey are not aware of the fact that the silkworms are killed before completing their natural life span. On the other hand, the number of consumers has been rising in the world who wants to wear silk without harming the animals. In this study sericulture was done in an ethical way to produce peace silk fabrics and some of the mechanical properties of the fabrics were determined. This study is of value, raising awareness about peace silk and ethical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritive value of mulberry leaves makes it the only food of silkworms (Bombyx mori L.). It is recorded that 6.73 million hectares of area are affected by salinity and sodicity stresses covering various states of the country, which is becoming one of the major threats to popularizing sericulture in India. In the present study, chlorophyll, protein, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase content of leaves of six mulberry germplasm viz., English Black, Kolitha-3, C776, Rotundiloba, BC259, and S1 grown under coastal saline soils of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India was investigated. Results demonstrated a sharp decrease in the chlorophyll (2.35 to1.19 mg.g FW-1) and protein (30.10 to 15.20 mg.g FW-1) contents of leaves of all the mulberry germplasm with increasing soil salinity (1.60 to 22.70 dS.m-1). On the contrary, the number of stress-related antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidases, and superoxide dismutase increased from 1.15 to 5.43, 1.43 to 4.76, and 8.65 to 25.15 g-1 FW.min-1, respectively. Overall, the field study indicated the superiority of Kolitha-3 and C776 grown in Canning (Canning I and II), Basanti, Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Sagar blocks of coastal regions of South 24 Parganas. The study deals with issues of the utilization of scarce land promoting income-generating avenues like sericulture in saline areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelsea has an unusually large number of veteran mulberry trees for a London borough (around 25 at the last count). And, while they are not all as old as they look, many have direct links to Chelsea's history, including the Tudor estates of Thomas More and Henry VIll, a short-lived eighteenth century silk farm, and the 1800s headquarters of a Moravian religious community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that sericulture is an important branch of animal husbandry, not only for the production of silk but also as a valuable source of protein, it is necessary to constantly study the possibilities for its improvement as a branch of this domain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the nutritional value and digestibility of mulberry leaves from the Kokuso 21 and Eforie varieties, as consumed by silkworms (Bombyx mori L., Bombicidae Family, Lepidoptera Order) during a summer study, in 2021. The Japanese variety (Kokuso 21) and the Romanian variety (Eforie) were used as food sources for the Triumf hybrid, developed in Romania; the larvae were divided in two batches of 300 larvae and each set was subdivided into six groups of 50 larvae, which were raised in paper trays based on their age and size. The research indicated that mulberry leaves have an average digestibility value of 54.46%; the aging process of the leaves altered their chemical composition, with most nutrients showing a decreasing trend in digestibility throughout the larval growth period, except for crude fiber, which remained unchanged in the early larval stages and increased to 26.78% towards the end of the experiment. Overall, the Kokuso 21 variety demonstrated superior nutrient digestibility compared to Eforie. An important finding from this study is the need for future research to determine the degree of nutrient metabolism and conversion into silk.

Background: Mulberry (Morus spp.) is an economically important woody plant, which has been used for sericulture (silk farming) for thousands of years. The genetic background of mulberry is complex due to polyploidy and frequent hybridization events. Results: Comparative genomic in situ hybridization (cGISH) and self-GISH were performed to illustrate the chromosome constitution and genetic relationships of 40 mulberry accessions belonging to 12 species and three varietas in the Morus genus and containing eight different ploidy levels. We identified six homozygous cGISH signal patterns and one heterozygous cGISH signal pattern using four genomic DNA probes. Using cGISH and self-GISH data, we defined five mulberry sections (Notabilis, Nigra, Wittiorum, and Cathayana, all contained only one species; and Alba, which contained seven closely related species and three varietas, was further divided into two subsections) and proposed the genetic relationships among them. Differential cGISH signal patterns detected in section Alba allowed us to refine the genetic relationships among the closely related members of this section. Conclusions: We propose that GISH is an efficient tool to investigate the chromosome constitution and genetic relationships in mulberry. The results obtained here can be used to guide outbreeding of heterozygous perennial crops like mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf spot disease in mulberry significantly affects silk production by reducing the nutritive quality of the leaves. This disease caused by various pathogens, regardless of the localities under the same climatic region. In the present investigation, an approximate incidence rate of 84 % was recorded in Karnataka based on surveys conducted in both farmer fields and germplasm locations. The causative agents have shown diversification, including new candidates such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, Curvularia lunata, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Epicoccum sorghinum. These findings mark the first report of these pathogens in Indian mulberry production. The investigation involved detailed pathogenicity assessments on the predominant mulberry silk production cultivar under controlled and field environments. Pathogens were identified using morpho-cultural, microscopic and phylogenetic analyses, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Various concentrations of fungicides, both individually and in combinations, were evaluated to identify effective measures for mitigating yield losses. Among the fungicides tested against the new pathogens, Hexaconazole 5 % SC and Hexaconazole 5 % + Captan 70 % WP demonstrated high promise and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, these fungicides could serve as immediate solutions to prevent further yield reduction. However, it is essential to conduct comprehensive field investigations before recommending them as standard practices. Future research endeavors should focus on assessing the extent of crop loss caused by these newly identified pathogens in mulberry cultivation.

Sericulture is the ‘Siri’ culture, which means it generates wealth, upon silkworm rearing and silk cocoon production. Morus alba (Mulberry), the sole food source of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) was one of the first domesticated forages in the world and has great economic importance to sericulture. The probability of sericulture and cocoon quality depends on the leaf quality of mulberry as it provides 70% of the protein involved in the silk protein production of the silkworms. Mulberry is prone to attack by many insect pests which cause quantitative and qualitative damage resulting in a decrease in sericulture productivity. Several species of insect pests belonging to different orders of Arthropods like Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Thysanoptera, have been reported as insect pests on mulberry. Among them leaf defoliators and sap suckers are treated to be major insect pests as they cause more damage to the mulberry. Addressing this concern, around 26 major mulberry pests are identified and their lifecycles are reviewed in detail to understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore effective pest management strategies for biological control and quality production of Mulberry leaf which directly enhances quality cocoon production and silk generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the impact of two different plant protection products on silkworm ( Bombyx mori L.) development. These products are commonly used in agrotechnical treatments and are officially allowed to use in ecological agriculture. They are also fungicides, which suggests lower negative impact on other groups of organisms. The two used products were Biosept Active Spray (grapefruit extract) and Miedzian 350 SC (copper oxychloride) which were sprayed on mulberry leaves used to feed silkworms from the beginning of the 4th instar. As to measure the level of impact, the mortality of larvae (percentage of dead specimens) and cocoon shell ratio (percentage of shell weight in whole cocoon) were checked. The highest mortality was recorded in the group treated with 0,7% Miedzian solution (92,5%) as well as the lowest shell ratio (12,06) comparing to the control group (mortality 7,5% and shell ratio 17,43). In the Biosept group, no significant mortality was recorded (comparing to the control group) but mean shell ratio showed a significant decrease in the cocoon quality. The study shows that one of the pesticides is highly effective against a non-target organism.

One of the major challenges that global society is facing nowadays is finding sustainable and safe methods for crop growth and development. Besides the traditional crops cultivated worldwide (tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, strawberries, etc.), there is a general trend in the exploitation of polyvalent plants. Mulberry (Morus spp.) faced no exception; with its undeniable proprieties, it became suitable not only to be used in the sericulture industry, but in the food chain, the pharma industry, and environmental safety. Spare parts of the plants can be used in a very wide range, starting from introducing mulberry leaves in supplements to increase the protein content of a meal to extracting biologically active compounds from fruits and roots to be used in phytotherapy. However, the outstanding proprieties of this plant come with some requirements related to space availability and watering; requirements that can be easily surpassed by using vertical farming methods, such as hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems. The present paper aims to evaluate vertical farming techniques' applicability to mulberry propagation in a controlled environment and their prospects for a more sustainable and safer agricultural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is an ancient country to establish sericulture industry and it manufactures and even exports the tasar cloth (Kosa) to various countries since several centuries prior to the B.C. During the second century B.C., the silk was exported from India to European countries. It has been studied that the production of tasar silk was much more than that of mulberry silk during the Mughal period.1 India is unique in producing all four commercial silk varieties viz. Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga. Sericulture is well-established agro-cottage industry and suited to rural-based farmers with a good cost-benefit ratio. It provides employment to six million rural populations. Covid-19 was caused by the novel corona virus and was first identified in Wuhan, China. This disease is transmitted through direct contact with the respiratory droplets of infected person, especially when the person coughs and sneezes. Covid-19 has led to a huge loss of human life, food system, millions of agricultural workers had gone through working poverty, mal nutrition and poor health. The Covid -19 crisis has created a dire impact on the complete world. The Lockdown declared by Government had an awful impact on the financial growth and development of every individual. The sericulture sector has also vouched such condition. The sericulture farmers, reelers, weavers and traders have to face various issues like marketing of cocoons, silk, its products, non availability of vehicles for transportation, non availability of the workers from sericulture sector, problems regarding hard currency flow. During pre Covid-19 period the average selling price of cocoon was 400 Rs/Kg while the price during Covid-19 period was Rs. 200/Kg. This paper helps to study the impact on Covid-19 peak period on the livelihood of sericulture farmers, reelers, weavers and traders. Different activities involved in sericulture were affected by pandemic. Due to difficulty in import and export of silk and other related materials, Government has to be self reliant for the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the genetic diversity and suitability of mulberry (Morus spp.) cultivation in arid ecosystems. It highlights the importance of exploring and conserving native mulberry species in arid regions, which have specific traits valuable for climate change adaptation and medicinal uses. It mentions the significance of mulberry in sericulture and its potential for fruit production in arid climates.

During 2018-2019, a study was conducted to study the sucking pests and their natural enemies in mulberry at the Regional Sericulture Research Station, Central Silk Board, Jamuguri, Jorhat, Govt. Sericulture Farm, Titabar and Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Five species of sucking pests were prevalent in various mulberry growing areas of the Jorhat district of Assam. Paracoccus marginatus was the most common of these; others include- Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Pseudodendothrips mori, P. marginatus, Aleurodicus dispersus, Clovia puncta. Three coccinellid predators Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis and Micraspis discolor, as well as one species of lepidopteran predator Spalgis epius were found to associated with P. marginatus. and of these S. epius was the most abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades there has been an increasing use of remotely sensed data for precision agricultural purposes. Sericulture, the activity of rearing silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) larvae to produce silk in the form of cocoons, is an agricultural practice that has rarely used remote sensing techniques but that could benefit from them. The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of using satellite imaging in order to monitor leaf harvesting in mulberry (Morus alba L.) plants cultivated for feeding silkworms; additionally, quantitative parameters on silk cocoon production were related to the analyses on vegetation indices. Adopting PlanetScope satellite images, four M. alba fields were monitored from the beginning of the silkworm rearing season until its end in 2020 and 2021. The results of our work showed that a decrease in the multispectral vegetation indices in the mulberry plots due to leaf harvesting was correlated with the different parameters of silk cocoons spun by silkworm larvae; in particular, a decrease in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had high correlations with quantitative silk cocoon production parameters (R2 values up to 0.56, p < 0.05). These results led us to the conclusion that precision agriculture can improve sericultural practice, offering interesting solutions for estimating the quantity of produced silk cocoons through the remote analysis of mulberry fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to assess the silkworm cocoon production and its profitability in North Eastern Karnataka region, India through structured survey during June–September, 2018. The multistage random sampling technique was adopted in designing sampling frame. In the first stage, three districts namely Ballari, Kalaburagi and Raichur districts were selected based on the highest area under mulberry crop. In the second stage two taluks were selected based on the potentiality and highest area under mulberry crop. In the third stage, 10 farmers from selected taluks of the districts were selected randomly in view of spread out of sericulture farmers in different villages. Total sample size of sericulture farmers were 60 respondents. However, 15 market intermediaries representing 5 respondents each from the selected districts constituting village trader and reeler’s were chosen randomly and interviewed personally to elicit required information with the help of well-structured and pre-tested schedule. The human labour usage in establishment of mulberry garden was highest in Kalaburagi (53.25 mandays) compared to Raichur (50.30 mandays) and Ballari (46.80 mandays). The variable cost incurred by sericulture farmers was more than 81% of the total cost of cultivation of mulberry. However, the expenditure on human labour (35.97%) was the major constituent of the total cost. The net returns realised by silk cocoon producing farmers was ` 55,819 300 DFL-1. The extent of net returns realised was highest in Kalaburagi (` 58,708 300 DFL-1) district compared to Raichur (` 54,726) and Ballari (` 54,025) districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the prospects for a completely new species for use as a non-mulberry silkworm and supposes that the resulting silk from this silkworm has various biomedical applications as a natural biomaterial. Two giant peacock moths with a light trap were caught: a female moth on the first night (28th May), then the next night (29th May) female moth was used, and successfully it was caught a male moth, in the mountain village of Bash-Shabalyd in the region of Sheki. These two moths were carefully transferred to a carton covered with gauze and transferred to the laboratory. The percentage of the cocoon shell from the mass of the entire cocoon was calculated. The authors described the biological characteristics of Saturnia pyri (S. pyri), the period of growth and development of the caterpillar from hatching to pupation in vitro. It was concluded that the silk-bearing capacity of S. pyri cocoons is not inferior to that of the oak silkworm (Antheraea pernyi) and can be widely used in sericulture to obtain biomedical smart materials, which are successfully obtained from other non-mulberry silkworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken with the objective of understanding the performance of V1 mulberry cultivar as small tree under different spacing and stump height. Field experiment was laid out in split plot design having three spacing [(S1-2.4 x 1.2 m), (S2 - 2.4 x 1.8 m), (S3- 2.4 x 2.4 m)] and three stump heights [(H1-0.5 m), (H2 -1.0 m), (H3-1.5 m)] under irrigated condition during 2016-2021 at College of Sericulture, Chintamani. In chemoassay of leaf, all the nine treatments showed very good content of moisture (73.13 - 79.71%), crude protein (25.56 - 29.53%), total sugars (16.34 - 17.37%), total chlorophyll (3.076 - 3.266 mg/g), total minerals (9.79 - 10.67%) and crude fibre (11.07 - 11.77%). In bioassay also, they exhibited better rearing performance with optimal range of mature larval weight (39.40 - 43.29g), effective rate of rearing (93.24 - 96.40%), cocoon yield / 100 DFLs (87.29 - 89.49 kg), cocoon weight (1.836 - 1.885 g), cocoon shell weight (0.397 - 0.433 g), cocoon filament length (1080 - 1230 m) with reduced larval duration (547 - 589 hr) and lower denier (2.828 - 3.018). In all the treatments, majority of chemoassay and bioassay parameters were found marginally better during monsoon, followed by winter and summer. Highly significant positive correlations were noticed between four biochemical parameters viz., crude protein, total sugars, total chlorophyll and total minerals and six bioassay parameters viz., mature larval weight, effective rate of rearing, cocoon yield, single cocoon weight, single cocoon shell weight and filament length. Three treatments viz., S3H3, S2H3 and S3H2 showed better performance ranking first, second and third in both chemoassay and bioassay. However, the superiority of any of the nine treatments studied has to be judged by considering the leaf yield, Leaf- Cocoon ratio and Benefit - Cost ratio under variable intensity of cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of sericulture industry is mainly based on leaf quality and the appropriate environmental conditions for silkworm rearing. This study was aimed to assess the quantitative characters of mulberry plants in spring and autumn season, among three zones of Kashmir Valley. Mulberry plants of same variety (Goshoerami) and same age were selected in various mulberry farms in three zones (North, central and south) of the Kashmir valley. Samples were analysed by using standard procedures. The total branch length, longest branch length, average branch length per plant, leaf yield per plant and leaf area during spring and autumn were found highest in north followed by south and least in the central zone. The fresh weight of 100 leaves too was found highest in north but was followed by central and least in the south zone during the spring season while as during the autumn it was highest too in north zone but last in the central zone. Amongst the zones higher values were recorded for North zone followed by south and the least in the central zone. Quantitative values of mulberry are higher in autumn than the spring season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research trial was conducted at Division of Sericulture Crop Improvement, College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, SKUAST-Kashmir during spring seasons. The three mulberry genotypes namely Kokuso-21, SKM-33 and Goshoerami were fed to silkworm right from brushing up to spinning of cocoons. Besides one control was also maintained throughout rearing period. In the current research study lowest ingesta (13.205 g) and consumption index (0.770) was recorded in Goshoerami fed silkworm batch. The digesta (8.743 g), approximate digestibility (66.209 %), reference ratio (2.959) and relative growth rate (0.177) were found to be significantly highest in Goshoerami fed silkworm batch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry is a hardy, perennial, deep-rooted plant capable of thriving under diverse agroclimatic conditions. The selection of suitable land and appropriate variety can help the sustainable mulberry field. However, no conclusive and comprehensive investigation has been conducted on the mulberry soil properties and nutritional composition of mulberry cultivars from Korea local areas in previous studies. In our study, soil properties and mulberry leaf components of Korea local mulberry farms were briefly investigated. In result, the soil organic matter (OM) content was significantly high in Buan (6.81%) and Jangseong (6.14%). In contrast, available phosphate (P2O5) was different in each local area. To investigate relationship between soil property and nutritive component of mulberry leaf, Cheongil leaf samples from 8 local areas were analyzed. Among the macrominerals (K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+), the concentration of K varied from (1884±9.36) mg/100 g to (2685±11.5) mg/100 g. The potassium (K+) of Cheongil leaf in Sangju was the highest at 2685 mg/100 g. Besides macrominerals, flavonoids, total dietary fiber contents and moisture of Cheongil leaf samples were studied in the 8 local areas. In terms of these contents, the variation was largely depending on the local areas. This study provides a possible industrial use of mulberry, and holds promise to enhance the overall profitability of sericulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture, often known as silk farming is the practice of rearing silkworms for production of raw silk. One of the major impediments faced by the sericulture community is the silkworm diseases that cause significant crop losses. In the present study, the efficacy of phototrophic bacteria as feed supplements in improving the economic traits as well as disease resistance in mulberry silkworm, Bombyx morí L. was assessed. A total of three phototrophic bacteria were isolated and identified as belonging to the genera Maríchromatium, Rhodobacter and Rhodopseudomonas based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Their morphological, physiological and biochemical characters were studied, grown under ambient conditions and biomass was harvested. Mulberry fortified with the aforementioned phototrophic bacteria in solitude and combinations at varying concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 5%) were found to be innocuous to the mulberry silkworm. The best results were observed when mulberry leaf was supplemented with Rhodopseudomonas sp. at 2% concentration which improved survival, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell%, filament length and non-breakable filament length by 5.18, 0.27, 3.86, 3.5, 1.5 and 1.2%, respectively under normal rearing conditions. Under Staphylococcus sp. infected conditions, the aforesaid diet also enhanced survival in silkworms by 16%. On the other hand, the same diet didn't exhibit any discernible influence on survival against fungal, viral, or microsporidian infections in silkworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Over the past two decades scientific research on sericulture, the agricultural activity of silk production, generated a great number of outputs in the form of articles reported and classified by one of the most well-known and used database dealing with scientific literature. This occurrence demonstrates an increasing interest in this sector especially starting from 2000s; results presented in relevant papers showed their applicability even in fields apparently not related to silk production as commonly meant, like medicine, cosmetics, and engineering. To understand how sericulture has been transcending its usual boundaries, which are its current "hotspots", and links with other fields of study, the authors propose a text-mining based analysis of the outputs of scientific research on sericulture and silk; the final goal is to establish "quantitative" indicators for researchers, entrepreneurs, and scholars. Traditionally, sericulture is meant as the agricultural activity of silk production, from mulberry (Morus sp.pl.) cultivation to silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) rearing. The aim of the present work is to analyze the trends and outputs of scientific research on sericulture-related topics during the last two decades, from 2000 to 2020. In this work the authors propose a text-mining analysis of the titles, abstracts and keywords of scientific articles focused on sericulture and available in the SCOPUS database considering the above-mentioned period of time; from this article collection, the 100 most recurrent terms were extracted and studied in detail. The number of publications per year in sericulture-related topics increased from 87 in 2000 to 363 in 2020 (+317%). The 100 most recurrent terms were then aggregated in clusters. The analysis shows how in the last period scientific research, besides the traditional themes of sericulture, also focused on alternative products obtainable from the sericultural practice, as fruits of mulberry trees (increment of +134% of the occurrences in the last five years) and chemical compounds as antioxidants (+233% of occurrences), phenolics (+330% of occurrences) and flavonoids (+274% of occurrences). From these considerations, the authors can state how sericulture is an active and multidisciplinary research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the impact of two different plant protection products on silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) development. These products are commonly used in agrotechnical treatments and are officially allowed to use in ecological agriculture. They are also fungicides, which suggests lower negative impact on other groups of organisms. The two used products were Biosept Active Spray (grapefruit extract) and Miedzian 350 SC (copper oxychloride) which were sprayed on mulberry leaves used to feed silkworms from the beginning of the 4th instar. As to measure the level of impact, the mortality of larvae (percentage of dead specimens) and cocoon shell ratio (percentage of shell weight in whole cocoon) were checked. The highest mortality was recorded in the group treated with 0,7% Miedzian solution (92,5%) as well as the lowest shell ratio (12,06) comparing to the control group (mortality 7,5% and shell ratio 17,43). In the Biosept group, no significant mortality was recorded (comparing to the control group) but mean shell ratio showed a significant decrease in the cocoon quality. The study shows that one of the pesticides is highly effective against a non-target organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is an important sericulture crop; however, root-knot nematode infection seriously limits its production. Understanding the mechanism of interaction between mulberry and nematode is important for control of infection. Results Using sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly, we identified 55,894 unigenes from root samples of resistant and susceptible mulberry cultivars at different stages after infection with the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii; 33,987 of these were annotated in the Nr, SWISS-PROT, KEGG, and KOG databases. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed key genes involved in hormone metabolic processes, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and peroxisomal and photosynthetic pathways. Analysis of key trends in co-expression networks indicated that expression of unigenes 0,015,083, 0,073,272, 0,004,006, and 0,000,628 was positively correlated with resistance to M. enterolobii. Unigene 0015083 encodes tabersonine 16-O-methyltransferase (16OMT), which is involved in alkaloid biosynthesis. Unigene 0073272 encodes a transcription factor contributing to nitric oxide accumulation during plant immune responses. Unigenes 0,004,006 and 0,000,628 encode ERF and MYB transcription factors, respectively, involved in plant hormone signaling. We verified the accuracy of transcriptome sequencing results by RT-qPCR of 21 DEGs. Conclusions The results of this study increase our understanding of the resistance mechanisms and candidate genes involved in mulberry–M. enterolobii interaction. Thus, our data will contribute to the development of effective control measures against this pathogen.

A field experiment was conducted at College of Sericulture, Chintamani, Karnataka during 2016 -2021 to assess the effect of three spacings (2.4 x 1.2 m; 2.4 x 1.8 m and 2.4 x 2.4 m) and three stump heights (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m) on growth and yield of mulberry cultivar V-1 trained as small tree under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in split plot design having nine combination treatments with three replications. The experimental plot was maintained with package of practices recommended for the cultivation of bush mulberry under irrigated condition, after making suitable modifications. Data on eight growth and yield parameters were collected from all the five crops of 3rd, 4th and 5th year after plantation. Plant height, number of shoots / plant, longest shoot length, total shoot length, number of leaves / plant and leaf yield / plant were increased with the increase in spacing while plant height, longest shoot length, number of leaves / plant, leaf yield / plant and leaf yield / ha / yr were increased with increase in stump height. Among the nine treatment combinations, 2.4 x 1.2 m spacing with 0.5 m stump height, 2.4 x 1.2 m spacing with 1.0 m stump height and 2.4 x 1.2 m spacing with 1.5 m stump height showed marginal differences between them and higher leaf yield / ha / yr (49754, 51176 and 51219 kg, respectively) in fifth year of plantation, which may increase further by about 10 per cent in succeeding three years. Effect of spacing on the leaf yield was very high compared to the effect of stump height. In view of the reduction in leaf quality with low stump height (0.5 m) and inconvience to shoot harvest in high stump height (1.5 m), it is concluded that, 1.0 m stump height is optimum. Accordingly, 2.4 x 1.2 m spacing with 1.0 m stump height are found suitable for the cultivation of mulberry cultivar V-1 as small tree under irrigated condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the seventeenth century crisis, China witnessed the decline and fall of the Ming dynasty. Scholars have long discussed the role of silver in the Ming crisis, but less attention has been paid to the effects of the production and circulation of silk. This paper examines both internal and external factors that contributed to the decline of Chinese sericulture and silk production, as well as consequent damages to the economy and social relations. Converging environmental and economic factors within major silk-producing regions, as well as a number of incidents that affected the Pacific trade of silk, exacerbated the problems of the late Ming. This paper applies the Law of Supplies and Demands to analyse interconnections between China, Manila, and New Spain. An understanding of the silk industry is essential to explain significant economic connections both within Ming China and between China and the outside world during the seventeenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uzbek hybrid (♀Oshima I2N2 (Morus bombycis Koidz.)× ♂SANIIsh-25 (Morus multicaulis Perr.)) obtained by crossing the mulberry tree, obtained by selection in vitro from Jarariq-9 variety Murasige Skug (MS), Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW) medium were used to obtain and develop explants. The average germination time of the explant in the WPM (standard) main nutrient medium in Uzbekistan hybrid, day-7.3 MS-6.6 days, DKW-7.6 days, but opening from the explant in WPM-56.8, MS-51.06%; DKW was observed to be 73.13%. It was observed that total shoot germination was MS-74.73 %; WPM-71.46%; DKW-78.86 %. It is determined that the indicators of Jarariq-9 variety compared to the indicators of the Uzbekistan hybrid, the average germination time of the explant in the WPM (standard) main nutrient medium is 7.6 days, MS-8.33 days, DKW-8 days, bud opening from the explant is 76.2% in WPM, MS-53.5%; and, DKW-74.4%

The climate change and microplastic are the two important global concerns, which are well accepted by global fraternity. The textile industry is also having direct concern under the changing environmental condition and polluted environment. Some studies proclaim the negative effects of the sericulture on environment without considering the complete cycle of the sink and source. By looking into deep through pro-active research in soil-to-soil approach, it is possible to establish that sericulture is having the intrinsic capacity to reduce the global burden of the global warming as well as the microplastic pollution. Some initial attempts were already taken in this direction but the synchronised continuous attempts are essentially the need of the hour. In this study, the available research outputs and respective research gaps through systematic pro-active research and institutional pathways are discussed towards achieving the carbon neutrality and sustainability in silk production and sericulture research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing the productivity of newly created F1 tetrahybrids of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. when they are reared with artificial diet low in mulberry powder (15%) throughout the entire larval stage was the aim of this paper. The study was conducted during 2020 at the Training Experimental Station of the Sericulture section of the Faculty of Agriculture at Trakia University. Object of the study were the tetrahybrid forms of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) "Vraca63 × Line22/Nig2 × Merefa6" (1st experimental group) and "Nig2 × Merefa6/Vratsa63 × Line22" (2nd experimental group). Tetrahybrid "I1 x VB1/N2 × HB2" was used for the control group. Silkworms were reared with artificial diet containing 15% powder of dried mulberry leaf produced at Scientific Center on Sericulture - Vratsa and prepared by methods, developed by the manufacturer. From each of the analyzed hybrids, a dried average sample of cocoons was formed. The cocoons were assessed on the basic technological traits determining the productivity of the silkworms. The results obtained showed that the studied tetrahybrids are relatively equivalent in quality of the obtained production such as the straight tetrahybrid form (1st experimental group), although insignificantly, superior the back cross tetrahybrid (2nd experimental group) in mass of cocoons, silk sheath and silk thread by 12.83 mg, 7.9 mg and 6.1 mg, respectively. The newly created F1 hybrids do not deviate significantly in average values in all analyzed cases from the control, which gives reason to believe that they can be successfully reared throughout the larval development with artificial diet low content mulberry powder (15%). Therefore, they could be offered for testing by IASAS and approved as the first hybrids in Bulgarian sericulture, susceptible for rearing with artificial diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Morus indica L.) is a foliage crop cultivated extensively in the North-Eastern India under rainfed condition for rearing silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). An attempt was made through field experimentation to develop a soil-cum-nutrient management package for mulberry cultivation in acid soil under rainfed condition. Effects of different treatment combinations comprising of NPK, farmyard manure (FYM), lime and boron (B) on important soil properties, yield and quality of mulberry (Morus indica L. var. S1635) leaf were assessed to identify the best soil-cum-nutrient management package. Results indicated that fertilizer dosage based on ready-reckoner soil test value was not effective for the production of high-quality leaf with specific targeted yield of the crop (4.5 t/ha/crop-cutting). Integrated soil application of NPK @ 150:50:50 kg ha−1, FYM@10 t ha−1, lime as per requirement (3t ha−1 in present case) and foliar application of boric acid solution (0.1% w/v) was the most effective soil-cum-nutrient management package for the production of higher leaf yield which is comparable with the targeted yield. As far as leaf quality is concerned, increased moisture content, total N, P, K and B content of leaf are also attributed to the package. The package resulted in increased pH, organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, available N, P, K and decreased exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total potential acidity of soil. The study indicates the usefulness of soil-cum-nutrient management package for improved soil health of acid soils as well as achieving high yield and quality of mulberry leaf in such acid soils of the North-Eastern India and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the history of the development of sericulture in the world, including Poland. The advantages of natural silk which cause interest in its production and processing in many countries of the world are indicated. A brief description of mulberry silkworm breeding and the technology of silk processing into textile products are presented. The article provides information on the production of natural silk in several countries in 2015-2019. The share of silk in the world global production of fibres is about 0.2%. Over the last few years, the largest amounts of natural silk have been produced by the following countries: China, India and Uzbekistan - the total share of these countries in the world silk production is about 98%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is an important sericulture crop; however, root-knot nematode infection seriously limits its production. Understanding the mechanism of interaction between mulberry and nematode is important for control of infection. Results: Using sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly, we identified 55,894 unigenes from root samples of resistant and susceptible mulberry cultivars at different stages after infection with the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii; 33,987 of these were annotated in the Nr, SWISS-PROT, KEGG, and KOG databases. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed key genes involved in hormone metabolic processes, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and peroxisomal and photosynthetic pathways. Analysis of key trends in co-expression networks indicated that expression of unigenes 0,015,083, 0,073,272, 0,004,006, and 0,000,628 was positively correlated with resistance to M. enterolobii. Unigene 0015083 encodes tabersonine 16-O-methyltransferase (16OMT), which is involved in alkaloid biosynthesis. Unigene 0073272 encodes a transcription factor contributing to nitric oxide accumulation during plant immune responses. Unigenes 0,004,006 and 0,000,628 encode ERF and MYB transcription factors, respectively, involved in plant hormone signaling. We verified the accuracy of transcriptome sequencing results by RT-qPCR of 21 DEGs. Conclusions: The results of this study increase our understanding of the resistance mechanisms and candidate genes involved in mulberry–M. enterolobii interaction. Thus, our data will contribute to the development of effective control measures against this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, sericulture is meant as the agricultural activity of silk production, from mulberry (Morus sp.pl.) cultivation to silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) rearing. The aim of the present work is to analyze the trends and outputs of scientific research on sericulture-related topics during the last two decades, from 2000 to 2020. In this work the authors propose a text-mining analysis of the titles, abstracts and keywords of scientific articles focused on sericulture and available in the SCOPUS database considering the above-mentioned period of time; from this article collection, the 100 most recurrent terms were extracted and studied in detail. The number of publications per year in sericulture-related topics increased from 87 in 2000 to 363 in 2020 (+317%). The 100 most recurrent terms were then aggregated in clusters. The analysis shows how in the last period scientific research, besides the traditional themes of sericulture, also focused on alternative products obtainable from the sericultural practice, as fruits of mulberry trees (increment of +134% of the occurrences in the last five years) and chemical compounds as antioxidants (+233% of occurrences), phenolics (+330% of occurrences) and flavonoids (+274% of occurrences). From these considerations, the authors can state how sericulture is an active and multidisciplinary research field.

Mulberry (Morus spp.) of Moraceae family is regarded as a unique plant on this earth due to its broader geological distribution across the continents; ability to be cultivated in different forms; multiple uses of leaf foliage and its positive impact in environmental safety approaches such as ecorestoration of degraded lands, bioremediation of polluted sites, conservation of water, prevention of soil erosion and improvement of air quality by carbon sequestering. Mulberry is also used as a medicinal plant in improving and enhancing the life of human beings by utilizing the biologically active pharmacokinetic compounds found in leaf, stem and root parts. Further industrial exploitation of mulberry through preparation of various products in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and health care industries has gained the attention of industrialists. As mulberry is being exploited by sericulture, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage industries along with its utilization in environmental safety approach; it is appropriate to call it as a most suitable plant for sustainable development. Through this review paper, all the important characteristics of mulberry were put together for considering it as an ideal plant in providing sustainable future.

Sericulture is an age old traditional occupation in Kashmir which owns a temperate climate and its success is dictated by the quality of mulberry leaves. Like many other plants, Mulberry, Morus spp. is also damaged by frost and has been felt as an impediment in expanding the sericulture for two to three seasons from the present one season activity. The impact of winter 2018-19 on the mulberry accessions at Manasbal, Kashmir was measured during February --April 2019 in terms of frost damage and sprouting. Studies revealed large variability in frost damage ranging from 1.21 to 23.71 per cent. Morus alba accessions though recorded higher frost damage, offer higher scope and potential for frost tolerance breeding with reliable genetic estimates in terms of high GCV (72.37%), PCV (84.38%) and heritability (73.55%) but, had a low genetic advance (7.84%). A recently developed M. multicaulis variety, PPR-1 appeared to be a promising one for frost tolerance breeding as well as commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Moru s spp. family: Moraceae ) has prime importance in the sericulture industry, and its foliage is the only natural feed of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. Traditional classification methods using morphological traits were largely unsuccessful in assessing the diversity and relationships among different mulberry species because of environmental influences on the traits of interest. For these reasons, it is difficult to differentiate between the varieties and cultivars of Morus spp. In the present study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity of 48 mulberry samples genotyped using nine ISSR primers. The ISSR markers exhibited polymorphisms (53.2%) among mulberry genotypes. Furthermore, similarity coefficient estimated for these ISSR markers was found to vary between 0.67 and 0.99 for the combined pooled data. The phenogram drawn using the UPGMA cluster method based on combined pooled data of the ISSR markers divided the 48 mulberry genotypes into seven major groups. No genetic association was found in the collection area, and there was a mixed pattern between the mulberry lines. The hybridization between different mulberry species is highly likely to be homogenized due to natural hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history and recent activities of the Black Caspian Seas and Central Asia Silk Association are presented in this paper: the countries that participated in its foundation, the FAO’s action to revitalize sericulture in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the following widening of the Association geographical limits of to enclose other European countries, which were not well-represented in other similar organizations. Some statistical data are illustrated for a better description of the scenario in which the BACSA executive board acted: the world silk production quantity and the relative production of BACSA countries in respect to the Chinese expansion. The themes treated in the BACSA conferences are reported to explain which matters the Executive Board considered the most relevant for the relaunch of this activity in relationships to the international challenges in the subsequent years; the project proposals that were presented to international donors are summarized. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is shown, where key-factors in determining the strengths and weaknesses of this organization and its member countries for a successful re-establishment of sericulture, are considered. In addition, future trends of sericulture with regard to innovative productions and the Green Deal are examined.

The purpose of the research is to prolong the period of silkworm rearing during the summer and autumn season. The rearing was carried out in the months of July, August and September at the Experimental Station of Sericulture at the Agricultural University in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Silkworms in the first, second and third instars were fed by applying artificial diet, and in the last two larval instars -- on mulberry leaves from Morus alba L. The results obtained from the studied technological characters show that there is a decrease in the basic values of the cocoon weight and filament length. For other characters, the decrease is negligible. The main conclusion is that the rearing of silkworms during the summer months by using combination of feeding on artificial diet in the first three instars and on mulberry leaves in the fourth and fifth instars is successful and leads to the possibility for more employment of people and increasing of the income of the silkworm rearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mulberry Morus spp. L. Family Moraceae is a perennial tree crop cultivated worldwide for foliage, fruit, fuel wood, and medicine, as well as for several other sericulture and industrial purposes. Mulberry trees are grown in more than 50 countries covering temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones as a plantation crop. Methodology: In this study, different stages of in vitro propagation mulberry plant were investigated. In the sterilization stage, different concentrations 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 (%) of mercuric chloride (MC) for 10 min were used. Also, the effect of supplementation of the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/l of BAp or TDZ on the multiplication stage was investigated. Moreover, the impact of the fortified MS medium with 1 mg/l IAA or NAA or IBA on enhancement of root system proliferation was studied. Furthermore, the effect of reculturing in vitro derived plantlets on peatmoss, perlite, and/or vermiculate for in vivo acclimatization and hardening was investigated. Results: A simple and efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of different varieties of Morus alba (yue 11, sha 2x lun 109, morittina, kokuso 27, and kantava 2) was established. Sterilization of shoot tips and auxiliary buds with 0.2% of mercuric chloride (MC) for 10 min was the best to get sterilized and survival explants. In vitro mulberry multiplication of yue 11, sha 2x lun 109, morittina, kokuso 27, and kantava auxiliary buds cultured on the MS medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BA gave the best results of the multiplication rates, maximum number of shoots/explant, and highest shoot length (cm), respectively. Moreover, culturing of derived mulberry shoots on the MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l NAA enhanced totally growth figures of root system formation suitable for acclimatization and hardening of in vitro derived mulberry plants. Acclimatization and hardening successfully processed with canava 2, morittina, yue 11, sha2x, and kokuso of mulberry cultivars, respectively. Conclusion: The described protocol in this investigation ensures a round-the-year in vitro propagation of mulberry plant with faster rate of multiplication of true-to-type plants, which will provide a useful tool for large-scale multiplication of other mulberry varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry (Morus sp.) is a fast growing, deciduous, woody perennial plant, usually pollinated by wind (anemophily). Morus sp. produces seed which is used to raise seedlings to be used for root grafting, whereas scion of an improved variety is grafted over the rootstock got through seedling raising. Seed rate is an important parameter that decides population of plants per unit area with optimum exposure to sunlight, proper space, aeration, and nutrition. In this study, we tried to find the optimum seed rate in mulberry for raising of quality seedlings under Kashmir climatic conditions. The investigation was carried out at College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, SKUAST-Kashmir, wherein different seed rates were tested for seedling raising in mulberry. Amongst different seed rates tested, treatment T3 wherein 28 seeds were sown per square foot was at par with treatments T1 and T2 having 20 and 24 seeds per sq. foot, respectively. The study indicated that 20-28 seeds per square foot could be successfully adopted for raising of quality seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]