Question

write a short note on rearing of silkworm

Answer 1

Silkmoth is a large, white insect. It lays hundreds of eggs which are stored at a suitable temperature. Eggs hatch to produce larvae which are called caterpillar or silkworm. Caterpillar eats and grow and secrets a liquid. Liquids hardens on coming in contact with air and changes into a fine protein thread. Caterpillars cover itself with these fibres and form cocoon.
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Answer 2

Silkworm rearing is an extensive month-long exercise starting from egg stage and terminating in adults laying eggs and dying their natural death. During this course, they pass through five larval instars intervened by four moults, cocoon and pupal stage. Silkworm rearing effectively means the culturing of five larval instars as other stages like egg, pupa and adults are non-feeding stages. Whole life cycle spans through 45-55 days with 10-12 days of egg stage, 25-30 days of larval stage, 2-3 cocoon spinning days, 5-7 days as pupal duration and 4-5 days in adult stage. Prevailing environmental conditions especially, temperature and relative humidity conditions are vital in determining silkworm physiology as it is a cold-blooded organism. Hence, maintenance of recommended temperature, relative humidity (RH), light and ventilation conditions for every stage of rearing are of utmost importance for successful silkworm rearing.