Host Plant Management Strategies for Quality Tasar Seed Cocoon Production

Abstract

The tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) a polyphagous insect, distributed in majority of the agro-ecological conditions in India with varied phenotypic, physiological and behavioral characters. Tropical tasar has special significance owing to its potential in providing self-employment to these marginal farmers. Presently projected tasar raw silk production target is 3840 MT and by 2030 it is anticipated to be 6000 MT, the base of sericulture industry is the seed sector and production of quality dfls which in terns comes from quality cocoons and is vital aspect in tasar silk industry. Majority of silkworm rearing happens in conventional forest patches (natural habitat) where constraints like exposure to predators, parasites, diseases and natural vagaries are prominent. The present average rearing capacity is around 150-200 dfls/ha and the productivity ranges from 30-35 cocoons/dfl with a success rate of 15 to 20%. Quality tasar seed cocoon production depends upon successful management of host plant as the nutritional status of food plant plays a pivotal role on silkworm life cycle and its reproductive potential. The swift progress in technologies adoption like preparation of farmland, high yielding host plant lines, harnessing potential of alternate primary food plant like Lagerstroemia speciosa, nursery raising techniques, separate chawki garden and planting procedures (proper spacing), following calendar of activities for maintenance of host plant, protection of host plants from pest and disease through recent interventions, farm mechanization, integrated farming practices, application of organic inputs are required for improvement of quantity and quality of leaf. The adoption of proper management approaches improves the water use efficiency, soil health status, leaf nutrient quality, lower pest load thereby increasing the rearing capacity upto 250 dfls /ha with an average yield of 45 to 50 cocoons/dfls in-turn making the venture more productive and remunerative.