1.

Introduction
Mushrooms are reproductive structures of edible fungi that belong to
Ascomycotina, Basidiomycotina. These may be epigeal of hypogeal like
any other fungus; the vegetative parts of the mushroom consist of
thread like, thin mycelia which under suitable conditions from fruit
bodies (sporocarps). All mushrooms are fungi but all fungi are not
mushrooms. Mushroom occurs under various ecological conditions
from desert to forest. They comprise a large heterogeneous group with
different shapes, sizes, colour and the edibility of the 2000 known
edible species, only 20 are commercially cultivated and 4-5 species
produce o industrial scale throughout the 2 world. Some important
mushrooms grown in India are listed below:
Common name

Scientific name

1. White button/Temperate mushroom

2. Oyster mushroom
3. Paddy straw/Chinese/Tropical mushroom
4. Shiitake mushroom
5. Milky mushroom
6. Maittake
7. Enokittake

Agaricus bisporus
Pleurotus sajo-caju
Volvariella volvacea
Lentinus edodes
Calocybe indica
Gritola frondosa
Flamulina velutipe

2.BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

Mushrooms have been used as a delicacy for more than two thousand
years. During the middle Ages, the Greeks and the Romans considered
mushroom as a special food and they were obtained only in autumn
and spring. Because of mushroom, poisoning the wild forms or
toadstool become objects of fear and distrust. Most poisoning cases
were characterised by extreme pain and suffering before death.
Cultivation of Agaricus was started in Europe early in the eighteenth
century.
Many years before the development of mushroom production in the
United States and Europe, the Chinese had long been growing
mushrooms. Auricularia auricula was first cultivated in China in
A.D.600 while Flammulina veltipes was grown around A.D.800-900.
Cultivation of other mushrooms such as Volvariella volvacea, Lentinus
edodes and Tremella fuciformis was first recorded in China in the years
1000, 1700 and 1800, respectively.
In, France the earliest attempts for cultivation were by using a method
which utilized horse manure. The manure was prepared and the spores
from the wild mushrooms were sown directly on the manure. Portions of

the manure heap colonised by mycelium were also used to inoculate

new horse manure. A few years later, some growers started to prepare
composted horse manure beds inside caves and experimented with the
use of pre-germinated spores or spawn to start a crop. A casing material
made up of rotten leaf litter was later added to stimulate mushroom
formation. By the end of the 19 th century, a mushroom industry based
on the growing of Agaricus Bisporus evolved in the western hemisphere,
mainly in the United States and Western Europe.
The development of the mushroom industry was stimulated in 1960
with the establishment of laboratories for research on mushroom
growing not only in United States and Europe but also in Japan,
Taiwan, and Korea, improved technologies on the use of mushroom
worldwide. Mushrooms are now produced in some 18 countries around
the world. In the United States, Mushroom growing started in the New
York City in 1880. The industry has since then developed considerably,
especially in Pennsylvania which produces over 44% of the total U.S.
mushroom crop. Agaricus mushroom accounts for the largest
percentage of the total world production, followed by Lentinula edodes.
Important historical developments in India are as follows:
1908: Sir David Prain search edible mushroom
1938: experimental cultivation of paddy straw by DOA, Chennai.
1943: Details of cultivation of paddy straw mushroom by Thomas et al.
1961: First serious attempt on cultivation on cultivation of Agaricus
Bisporus
(A scheme was started by HP Govt. And ICAR Solan)
1971: ICAR co-ordinated scheme started
1977: UNDP supported mushroom development project in Himachal
Pradesh. Mr James Tunney got bulk pasteurization chambers
constructed. Readymade compost and casing soil made available to the
farmers of the Himachal Pradesh.
At present white button mushroom contributes about 85% of the total
mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are becoming more popular in south
India and Tamil Nadu alone is producing 3500 MT per annum. Because
of poor and unpredictable yield, Paddy straw mushroom has not picked
up very well.

3.MUSHROOM PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Today, India is exporting fruits and vegetables in limited quantities and
earning foreign exchange for the country. Mushroom production is
receiving top priority for export and domestic consumption in the

country. Presently there is tremendous spurt in mushroom growing

activity the country and big commercial units and small farmers are
increasing, in numbers everyday. Now white button mushrooms are
growing all over the country in environmentally controlled condition
cropping house with tremendous success.
While seasonally by the small and marginal farmers in rural India with
good results. Today mushroom are growing in Tarai region of U.P., H.P.,
and Haryana.
Oyster mushroom is grown in all over the country with greater success
and productivity and cultivation of these mushrooms is within the
reach of the economically weaker section of society like smell farmers,
rural women and unemployed youth.
Paddy straw mushroom commonly grown in humid weather and hot
peninsular region of India is now popularly grown in villages and town
in these areas with greater productivity. These mushrooms have a very
strong aroma and good taste and its consumption is confined to areas
where it is grown.
White milky mushroom is good option for these regions where Button,
Oyster and Paddy straw mushroom cannot grow in the month of AprilJuly due to higher temperature in the hotter region.
At present 09% of this total production is Button and Oyster
mushroom, milky and paddy straw mushrooms contributes only 10%.
Productivity of button mushroom has also increased from 2-3kg/ m2 in
1965 to 18-20kg /m2.

4.MUSHROOM VALUES
Food values:
Mushroom contains 2o -35 % proteins on dry wet basis which is higher
than vegetables, fruits and also good biological value. Mushroom is rich
in lisone and tryptophan, the two essential amino acids that are
deficient in cereals. The most nutritious mushrooms are almost equal in
nutritional value to meats and milk.
Meditional Values:
There are more than 100 species of higher fungi that are commonly
used in traditional medicine
i) Genedorma lucidun:

It can reduce blood pressure, blood cholesterol

and blood sugar level and inhibit platelet aggregation. Its cancer curing
ability is attributed to various polysaccharides.
ii) Lentinus edodes: It cures bronchitis inflammation headache smallpox
etc.

iii) Grifole frondosa: It is been frequently used for improving spleen

and stomach ailment.

5.PREPARITION OF MUSHROOM SPAWN

The propagating material used by the mushroom growers for planting is
called mushroom for spawn production can be grown on boiled and
sterilized cereal grains eg. Wheat, bajra etc. Grains are prefer as
substrate for mushroom spawn because grains give a large number of
inoculation sites, each with high inoculums potential derive from the
nutrient base. Usually, cereal grains are colonized with mushroom
mycelium and they are used for seeding in the composed.
REQUIREMENTS
Pure culture of mushroom cereal grains (wheat, bajra etc.)
Calcium carbonate (chalk, caco3)
Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum, caso4)
Saline bottles (500 ml)/ polypropylene bags
Non absorbent cotton
PROCEDURE
Well clean and healthy cereal grains are boiled for 30 minutes or until
they become soft;
Excess water is drained after boiling and grains are cooled in
wooden/ plastic tray.
These cooled grains are mixed with 2% calcium carbonate and 2%
calcium sulphate on
dry wet basis of grains to avoid clumping of
grains.
Boiled cereals grains are tiled (300 gm/ bottle) in clean 500ml saline
bottle or polypropylene bags and plugged with non absorbent cotton
plugs.
These cereal grains filled bottles/ bags are sterilized in autoclave at
15 lb pressure 21c. For 1hrs. And then allowed to cool at room
temperature.
These sterilized and cooled grain filled bottles/ bags are aseptically
inoculated with mycelia bits which of 7-10 Days old mushroom m
culture.
These inoculated bottles/ bags are incubated at 20c. In BOD or 2
weeks incubated.
These bottles/ bags are second at 4 days interval to allow proper
spread of mycelium between the grains and these bottles/ bags are than
completely colonized by mushroom mycelium in 2 weeks.
OBSREVATIONS:

Observe the iniculative bottles/ bags during incubation at regular

interval for the apperials of white mycelium on the grains as well as for
the appearance of contaminants (bluish, greenish, blackish etc.growth)
PRECAUTIONS
Cleaned and healthy cereals grains should be selected for spawn
making.
Never boil the grains for longer period.
Mycelia bits of 10 days old culture should be preferred for
inoculation.
Always keep a check for microbial contamination of the spawn during
incubation.

6.

CULTIVATION OF OYSTER MUSHROOM (Plurotus species)

Oyster mushroom has become a well organized part of our country and
world mushroom industries. The desirable attributes like fast mycelia
growth, high ability for saprophytic colonization, very simple and cheap
techniques, higher yield and cheap post harvest storage and above all
the wide choices of Plutorus sp. Available for cultivation under different
climatic conditions has contributed to its popularity.

REQUIREMENTS:
Mushroom spawns
Agricultural residues
Polythene bags
Sterilization equipments
Plastic drums
Wooden tray

PREPAATION OF SUBSTRATE:
Oyster mushroom can be grown on various agricultural waste materials.
However, Wheat straw and Paddy straw are best substrate for cultivation
of Oyster musroom and they give higher yield. For preparation of
substrate, cereal straw is soaked in water for 18-20 hrs and then drain
off the excess water. Various methods of substrate sterilization have
been developed for Oyster Mushroom cultivation. Steam Pasteurization
by autoclave, hot water treatment, and chemical sterilization is effective
methods and they are adopted by mushroom growers on large scale.
VARIOS METHODS FOR SUBSTRATE FOR OYSTER CULTIVATION
AUTOCLAVING:

The moist substrate is steamed under pressure inside the autoclave for
20mins at10lb. After sterilization substrate are taken out of the
autoclave and allowed to cool down at room temperature.
CHEMICAL STERELIZATION: The pre-soaked substrate is again
emerged in 0.05% water solution of bavistin for 12hrs and the excess
solution is drained off from the substrate. Another chemical sterilization
is then moistened substrate fumigated with formalin for 12 hrs in
airtight chamber. This Substrate is exposed to air after fumigation for 1
hr t get escape from the odour of formalin.
SOLARIZATION:
The moistened straw are spread on cemented floor in thin layer and
covered with clean polythene sheet and treated to sunlight from 10A.M.
to 4P.M
SPAWNING: The mixing of spawn in the sterilized substrate is called
spawning. The amount of spawn is 3-3.5kg/quintal substrate. The
spawning is usually done by mixing and layer methods .The cylindrical
polythene bags can be used for spawning. The spawned substrate is
filled in polythene bags and moth of each bag is bine with rubber band
threads and 8-10 small holes are made8-10 cm apart from each other.

7.

WHITE BUTTON MUSHROOM

The white button mushroom is very popular throughout the world and
is the most important in the commercial scale. This mushroom is
extensively cultivated about 65% of the total work production of the
mushroom. At present India is roughly producing about 50,000 tonnes
of these mushrooms. It can be successfully cultivated in place where
the environmental condition is favourable. The optimum temperature for
mycelia growth is 20-25c and tat for fruit body formation and also
needs a high percentage of relative humidity of 80-90%. Cultivation of
white button mushroom requires technical skills.
IMPORTANT FORMULATIONS
A. COMPOSTFORMULATIONS USED IN INDIA
i.N.C.M.R.T. (National Centre for mushroom research and training) at
Sloan
a. Wheat straw
300kg
Wheat bran
15kg
Chicken manure
123kg
Urea
5.5kg
Gypsum
20kg
BHC (10%)
125kg
b. Wheat and Paddy straw

300kg

Calcium ammonium nitrate

9kg

Urea

4kg

Wheat bran

15kg

Gypsum

20kg

BHC (10%)

125kg

ii. I.A.R.I. (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), New Delhi

Horse yard manure

1000kg

Wheat straw

500kg

Urea

30-40kg

Gypsum

30kg

iii. I.I.H.R. (Indian Institute Horticulture Research), Bangalore

a. Paddy straw
Maize stalks
Ammonium Sulphate
Super phosphate
Urea
Rice Barn

150kg
150kg
9kg
9kg
4kg
50kg

Cotton seed meal

Gypsum
Calcium Carbonate

5kg
12kg
10kg

b.Wheat straw or
Paddy straw
CAN
Super phosphate
Urea
Wheat Barn
Gypsum
Calcium

300kg
400kg
9kg
9kg
4kg
30kg
12kg
10kg

METHOD OF COMPOSTING:
There are two methods of composting in India.
LONG METHOD OF COMPOSTING (LCM)
Preparation of compost by LCM is a primitive method. It takes more
time, gives low yield and invites more disease and pest. In India this

method is followed by many small farmers. Yield obtained using such

compost range between 8 and 12 kg /100kg of compost.
METHOD:
The first step in the compost preparation is to clean composting yard
properly and to spray 2% Formalin 24hr. in advanced of operation. On
the following day wheat straw and the paddy straw and any other
recommended base material is spread over the straw by pipe and
frequently turned by forks till it absorbs sufficient moisture. Wetting of
the straw may continue up to 24hrs. Care is taken that every portion of
the straw absorbs required quantity of water so that there is no further
requirement of water till the composting process is over. This wetted
straw is collected and made into a smaller heap. Similarly all other
ingredients except gypsum and BHC are mixed, moistened with water
and the heap is made which is covered with moist gunny bags. When
wetting of straw and other ingredients is over, these are kept as such for
24hrs and this day is called day 1. The day when these two (wheat straw
and other ingredients) are mixed and made into a heap is known as 0
day.
Day 0:
The two ingredients (base materials and fertilizers) which were kept after
wetting are mixed. Mixing can be done thoroughly with the forks. The
Mould is completely filled up to the required height, the side board are
removed lengthwise and the material is filled in the space by the means
of forks described earlier. Temperature above75c is not desirable.
Day 1-5:
It should start rising within 24-48 hrs after stacking and may reach up
to 65-70c in the central portion. Temperature in the compost stock is
directly related to the amount of nitrogen used in the mixture. If
moisture of the compost mixture is less, then more water is added.
Watering should be stopped as soon as leaching starts from the bottom
of the pile.
Day 6 (1st turning)
Turning is done to ensure that every portion of the piles gets equal
amount of aeration and water. To give turning remove about a ft. of
compost from the top and the sides of the pile, shake it thoroughly so
that excess ammonia is released and it is exposed to air properly, keep
this portion in one side of the pile, shake properly and keep them
separately. Make a new pile with the help of the mould described earlier
keeping central portion at the bottom. Top and sides should be placed
at the centre while the bottom part comes on the top sides.
Day 10(2nd turning):
Break open the pile and turned as described earlier.

Day 13(3rd turning):

Turning is done and required quantity of gypsum is added.
Day 16(4th turning):
Day 19(5th turning):
Day 22(6th turning):
Day 25(7th turning):
Required quantity of BHC is added during turning.
Day 28(Filling day):
Break open the pile and check for the ammonia smell if no ammonia
persists and a sweet smell is coming out, compost is filled in the trays
or bags after spawning. If slight smell of ammonia is detected, then
compost is kept as such opened for 1 day. Excess of ammonia will
disappear and the compost will be ready for spawning ammonia should
not be more than 8-10ppm at spawning.
The method described above takes about 28-30 days to accomplish this
composting.
ATTRIBUTES OF GOOD COMPOST:
Good compost should be dark brown in colour, not greasy or sticky, have
distinct sweet inoffensive smell, free from ammonia smell, with 68-72%
moisture and 7.2-7.8 pH. There should not be the visible growth of
other undesirable organism except for the fire fangs (Actinomycetes) and
it should be free from insects and nematodes. For the control of
undesirable organisms, addition of formalin (0.5%) and bavistin
(0.015%) in the compost 24-48 hrs prior to spawning is effective.
SPAWNING:
Spawning is the mixing of spawn in the prepared compost for sowing.
Completely colonised and fresh spawn is 2-2.5kg/quintal compost. The
spawned compost @ 5kg is filled in one polythene bag. The upper
surface of the compost is covered with the bags paper sheets within the
polythene bag. These spawned bags are placed in growing chamber
where temperature ranged between 20-25c.
CASING:
After spawn run, the mycelium becomes ready to enter the reproductive
phase to produce the frit bodies (mushroom). However it will not
produce fruit bodies unless the compost surface is covered. The process
of applying casing layer growth and development fruit bodies and
maintain humidity and temperature in the growing chamber.
After completion of spawn run, the newspaper sheet is removed and
surface of compost is covered (3-4cm thick) by casing soil. The casing
farm yard manure is sterilized by autoclaving of formalin solution before
casing. Mushroom beds are sprayed regularly with water to keep the
casing layer adequately moist.

COMMON DISEASE OF MHITE BUTTON MUSHROOM

Bacterial blotch
Common name: Brown blotch, Bacterial spot, Mushroom blotch.
Symptoms: This is the most serious bacterial disease of white button
mushroom. The pathogen induces lesions on the surface of fruit
bodies that are pale yellow initially but become golden yellow or
chocolate brown later.
Causal organism: -------------Management:
1. Manipulation of relative humidity, temperature and air velocity are
significant preventive measures are managing the diseases.
2. Sterilization of casing soil by steam has been effective in eliminating
the bacterial pathogens.
Brown plaster mould
Symptom:
Brown plaster mould is a very worst competitor and causes around 90%
yield losses in white button mushroom. Symptom appears as white
fungal growth on the expose surface of compost and casing soil.
Mushroom mycelium does not occur completely colonized by brown
plaster mould and sometimes entire crops failure.
Causal organism: Papulospora byssina
Management:
1. Peak heating should be of sufficient duration at proper temperature
and sufficient supply of fresh air during pasteurization.
2. Strict hygienic cultivation methods should be followed.
Harvesting:
Pinheads generally appear during 15 days water casing and they
become ready for harvesting within another one week. Mushroom is
picked by gently twisting off the button without casing disturbances.
Small pits are formed after harvesting and these pits are immediately
re-ceased with casing soil for development of nest fruit bodies. The
moisture in the casing soil is maintained by regular spraying of water.
Water casing and they become ready for harvesting within another one
week. Mushroom is picked by gently twisting off the button without

casing disturbances. Small pits are formed after harvesting and these
pits are immediately re-ceased with casing soil for development of nest
fruit bodies. The moisture in the casing soil is maintained by regular
spraying of water.
YIELD:
The yield of the white button mushroom depends on the compost
ingredients, supplements used in the compost, casing materials,
temperature and relative humidity 15-20 kg fresh button can be raised
from 1 quintal compost.
8. PRESERVATION AND PROCESSING OF MUSHROOM:
Mushroom are readily perishable commodities and start deteriorating
after harvest. They develope a brown discoloration on the surface due to
the enzymatic action of phenol oxidises and becomes soft at high
temperature. The rate of respiration activity of the harvested mushroom
is high, compare to other horticultural crops resulting in a shorter shelf
life. Development of appropriate preservation and processing technology
in order to extend their marketability and availability to the consumers
in fresh as well as processed form is of great significance. Short-term
preservation methods like pre-packing cooled with low temperature
storage, irradiation and steeping preservation helps to prolong self life
for 1-3 weeks.
Long time Preservation methods such as canning, drying, pedalling
dehydration, etc. can make the availability throughout the year at
reasonable cost.

1. Introduction
Sericulture or silk farming is a branch of agriculture, the raising of silkworm for
their cocoons, which are the raw materials used in the manufacture of silk.
Sericulture is the rearing of silkworm for the rearing of silk. Although there are
several commercial species of silkworm, Bombyx mori is the most widely used and
intensively studied. According to Confucian text, the discovery of silk production
by B.mori dates to about 2700 BC, although archaeological records point to silk
cultivation as early as the Yangsha period (5000-10000 BC). About the first half
of the first century AD it has reached ancient Khotan, and by AD 140 the practice
has been started in India. Later it was introduced to Europe, the Mediterranean
and the other Asiatic countries. Sericulture has become one of the most
important cottage industries in a number of countries like China, Japan, India,
Korea, Brazil, Russia, Italy and France. Today China and India are two main
producers, together manufacturing more than 60% of the world production each
year.
KINDS OF SERICULTURE IN INDIA AND SIKKIM
Indian sericulture contributes four types of silk viz, Mulberry, Muga, Eri and
Tasar. Mulberry accounts for 805 of the total production in the country. In the
context of the rural development, sericulture serves the social objectives like:
1. It provides off-farm employment.
2. It prevents immigration of poor people.

2. TYPES OF SILKWORMS:
There are 4 major types of silk having commercial importance obtained from
different species. These are:
1. Mulberry silkworm
2. Muga silkworm
3. Eri silkworm
4. Tasar silkworm- (a)Tropical tasar
(b)Temperate tasar
Mulberry silk:
Mulberry silk comes from the silkworm Bombyx mori which solely feeds on the
leaves of the mulberry plants. These silkworms are completely domesticated and
reared indoors. The bulk of the commercial silk produced in the world comes
from this variety.
Muga silk:

Antheraea assamensis produce golden yellow silk. Production of this variety is

abundantly on the Brahmaputra valley of Assam in India, It is semi domesticated.
The worms are raised on Machilus hombycina and Litsaea polyantha trees. At the
end of larval period they crawl down in the trees in search of the suitable place
for the construction of the cocoons. The cocoon has a very weak peduncle and is
golden yellow. The cocoons are boiled in soap and soda solution and are reeled.

Eri silk:
This silk is produced by Philosamia ricini. The primary food plant of this silkworm
is caster. This silkworm is Multivoltine and is reared indoor. The eggs are white
and hatched in 10 days. The worms moult 4 times during its larval period of 3032 days. The cocoons are usually white. The cocoon of the eri silkworm cannot be
reeled, as they are made up of uneven fibre.
Tasar silk:
Tasar silk extracted from 3 species of Antharea are used in India, they are
Antherae pernivi, Antheraea mylitta and Antheraea royeli. Tasar silkworms are
reared wild in nature and usually brown in colour. It is less lustrous than
Mulberry silk, but has its own feel and appeal
Oak tasar: it is a finer variety of tasar. It is produced in high altitude region.

3.

LIFE CYCLE OF SILKWORM

Silk is a valuable natural conjugated protein. It is biological secretion of a moth

named Bombyx mori. The silkworm metamorphoses into a beautiful moth from its
initial stage of an egg. The entire lifecycle of silkworm completed from egg to egg
stage following larva, pupae and moth stage.
LARVAL STAGE:
The caterpillar that emerges from the egg is only 1/8 th of an inch long. Extremely
hairy young silkworms can feed on the tender mulberry leaves. The larval stage
lasts for about 27 days and the silkworm goes through 5 growth stages called
instars. During first moulting, the silkworm sheds all their hair and gains a
smooth skin.
PUPAL STAGE:
After the Chrysalis stage in the larval stage, the caterpillar will spin a cocoon of
silk thread around itself. The cocoon is about the size of the nut ball.
MOTH:
The moth has creamy white wings with brown patterns across the front. Once the
adult moth comes out of the cocoon, its only purpose is to find a member of the

opposite sex and mate. Males are very active; they flap their wing rapidly to
attract the females. Within 24hrs of mating, the male moth dies, while the female
lays abundant eggs, after which she dies. There on, a new silkworm lifecycle
begins.
SILKWORM REARING:
Silkworm rearing is considered to be an agro based cottage industry since it
involves mulberry cultivation. Silkworm is reared for the production of cocoons
which is the raw materials for the silk production. The farmers rear silkworm and
produce cocoons. By marketing the cocoons the farmers earn money. It is ideally
suited for the rural areas of sericulture state. Silkworms are reared is well
ventilated shed following shoot rearing method.

4. SILKWORM MANAGEMENT
Silkworm rearing:
Mulberry silkworm has been made domesticated since last many years and the
sole food for the growth of the mulberry silkworm is mulberry leaves, while wild
silkworms feed different food plants.
Climatic requirements:
Climatic factors like temperature, humidity plays an important role in silkworm
rearing and in the development of the larvae as the temperature increases the
development of the larvae activities.
Temperature and humidity requirement:
Sl.no.
STAGE
TEMP. (C)

HUMIDITY (%)

1st instar

26-28

85-90

2nd instar

26-28

85-90

3rd instar

25-26

80-85

4th instar

24-25

70-75

5th instar

23-24

70

Requirement of leaf differ from race to race and also varies with season. During
summer the quantities of leaf requirements will be little higher since, drying of
feeding will be faster hence additional feeding may be required.
Rearing equipments required
1. Mesh
2. Sprayer
3. Mats
4. Chopping board
5. Chopping knife
6. Chop sticks
7. Feathers
8. Foam pads
9. Rearing trays
10. Thermometer
11. Plastic buckets/ mugs
12. Rearing stands
13. Feeding stands
14. Mountages
15. Hygrometer
16. Bed cleaning net

SILKWORM FEEDING
The nutrient value and number of feeds in each instars plays a major role in
cocoon formation. 3-4 feeds are given to silkworms a day. During moulting period
no feeding should be given. Feeding tender leaves to young age worms is essential.
As the larval growth increases or advances the mature leaves can be fed.
The larva development will be maximum during the 5 th instar and 4th moult.
Generally the moulting period delays due to fluctuation in climatic conditions.
Rearing rooms:
Rearing room must be constructed with east/west direction, with the thatched
roofing, mud walls or any roofing should not reflect the heat on the body of
silkworm. Keep good number of windows, proper ventilation and light facilities.
The raring have a good length and breadth.
Leaf quality:
Leaf quality plays an important role in the production of quality cocoons. The
young age worms are fed with tender, succulent leaves because these leaves

contain high moisture and protein content, less fibre, starch. Protein content
required or needed by the worms for their good growth and development. Hence,
top tender leaves of mulberry plants are to feed the young age silkworms.
Leaf requirement:
Silkworms attains nearly 10000 times of weight starting from thatching to
spinning stage, therefore, feeding good quality leaf plays an important in the
development of silkworm.

LEAF REQUIREMENT FOR WORMS:

Temperature and humidity requirement:
Sl.no.
STAGE
Quantity
of
mulberry
leaf
required Approx(kg)
st
1
1 instar
2-4
2

2nd instar

4-8

3rd instar

30-40

4th instar

80-90

5th instar

600-650

Maximum leaf is consumed during 5th instar only, because during this stage the
maximum growth of silk gland can be noticed.
FEEDING SCHEDULE:
Sl.no.
1st feeding

2nd feeding

3rd feeding

4th feeding

6A.M.6:30P.M.

11A.M.11:30P.M.

3A.M.3:30P.M.

7A.M.7:30P.M.

7A.M.7:30P.M.

1111:30A.M.

2A.M.2:30P.M.

5A.M.5:30P.M.

6A.M.6:30P.M.

1010:30A.M.

2A.M.2:30P.M.

6A.M.6:30P.M.

5th feeding

10A.M.10:30P.M.

BED CLEANING:
Silkworm after moulting leaves the excreta. Dried leaves, silkworm excreta, dead
worms, diseased larvae all will increase the humidity and temperature in the bed.
If proper bed cleaning is not done in time it leads to various complications such
as ill health of larvae, disinterest of the larvae to feed due to unhygienic
conditions and ultimately worms becomes weak.
Duding 1st instar bed cleaning should be done once during pre-moulting, during
2nd instar twice, and one after moult and before next moult. During 3 rd instar
thrice i.e. after moult and before next moult and once in the middle. During 4 th
and 5th stage once in a day in case of self rearing. However, in case of floor rearing
or shoot rearing once in each instar.
MOUNTING:

Transferring of matured silkworm on to mountage on cocoon frame is called

Mountage. It is a skilled and important operation. This is the last stage of
rearing operation. At this stage silkworm becomes matured completely and ready
to spin into cocoon. This silkworm after 5 days of 4 th moult becomes yellowish
and translucent, stops feeding the leaves and crawl on the feeding trays. Further
they ooze out the liquid like substances out of the mouth from the spinneret. This
movement clearly indicates to transfer the mature larvae into the mountages.
Mountage should be kept in inclined position so that, excreta of the worms fall in
the ground. In a standard mountage of 90x60cm size around 250-300 worms can
be conveniently mountage.
During mounting care should be taken to use the right type of chandrike in
convenient size and shape. There are different types of chandrike that are used
for the purpose of mounting, they are:
1. Plasting mountage
2. Bamboo made chandrikes
3. Straw mountage
4. Bottle brush
5.

SIKWORM EGG PRODUCTION

Success of sericulture depends on the quality silkworm eggs. Therefore

management of seed production, interalia transportation, incubation and
prevention from disease play important role on overall return. To produce quality
seeds, it is very important to adopt scientific methods of cocoon production right
from seed crop rearing to egg incubation.
DISINFECTION:
The grainage rooms along with its appliances should be thoroughly disinfected
prior to commencement of operation and kept ready to receive seed cocoons. The
rooms and appliances are to be washed with 5% bleaching powder solution and
the appliances are to be properly disinfected with a mixture of 2% formalin, 0.5%
to 1% lime and 0.05% detergent solution.
6.

TRANSPORTATION OF SEED COCOONS:

Cocoons are loosely packed either in perforated plastic crates or bamboo baskets
and transported to respective disinfection during cooler hours of the day.

PUPAL EXAMINATION:
Before selection of seed cocoons, it is very important to know the disease freeness
of a lot, melt, flimsy and god cocoons are also to be separated. Cut portion is

taken out and subjected to microscopic examination. In case there is incident of

pebrin, the lot has to be rejected.
7.

PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF COCOONS:

Immediately after the receipt of seed cocoons, they are to be sprayed o n the tray
in a single layer to facilitate good aeration. Sorting of good cocoons to be taken
out and rejected. There should be Dross ventilation in the preservation room,
25+1 degree Celsius, 75+5 % relative humidity, 2hr light and 12hrs dark
condition is to be maintained in the cocoon preservation room.
EARLY ECLOSION OF MOTHS
This helps in the disease freeness of the batch and helps in the minimizing the
loss of the grainage. For early emergence of moth, 50-60 cocoons are taken from
the individual lots and placed into an artificial eclosion box. The temperature in
the box is adjusted to 32-33c with the help of thermostat. This accelerates the
development of pupa and moth emerges early. The early emerged female moth of
the respective lots are taken and subjected for microscopic examination to know
the disease freeness of lots.
8.

PROSPECTS OF THE STRENGTH OF SILK INDUSTRY

1. Availability of different kinds of food plants abundantly reporting in
different ecozones of Sikkim pertaining to mulberry. Oak, Tasar, Eri and
Muga plantation in temperate to tropical areas.
2. Traditional inheritage of cultural wealth of silkworm rearing is practicing
since ages.
3. Mulberry silkworm rearing quite profusely and richly conducted by
silkworm rears and owing to temperate climatic profile.
4. Government of Sikkim has a promising infrastructure including many
silkworm farms, Sericulture training schools, cocoon market, cold storage
and other essentially required administrative, technical and ancillary assets
governed under the independent directorate of Government of Sikkim.
5. Presence of rich wealth of sericigenous insects and suitable rich wealth of
food plantation with a promising potential of employment to the rural
population.
6. Availability of fellow land, desert land, Gram panchayat land other spare
land, free to used for cultivation of food plants at different stages.
7. Recently, Muga and Eri silkworm culture added an advantage to silk
activity and silk industry apart from Mulberry and Oak Tasar culture in
practice since last many years.
8. Sericulture strengthening the rural population by providing employment at
their door and check the migration from villages to town.
9. Sericulture is an eco-friendly avocation and does not create pollution but
on contrary it assists the maintenance of ecosystem of the environment.

9.

PROBLEMS/ WEAKNESS OF SERICULTURE

1. Lack of suitable silkworm seed in adequate amount required during
different specifically to the merit of germplasm and commercial seed.
2. Lack of proper disinfection and maintenance of hygiene.
3. Lack of proper infrastructure of silkworm drainage especially of Muga and
Eri silkworm seed.
4. Lack of addition of value added products of silk chadars, silk ties silk wall
hangings.
5. Lack on emphasis on post reeling sectors almost in all sectors of silk.
6. Lack f trained silk professionals at field level.
7. Lack of dissemination of latest technical know-how and technology at gross
root level.
8. Lack of paucity of funds and gap in implementations of silk schemes at
agrarian
and
industrial
level
by
scientist,
technocrats,
administrator/planners and executers.

10.

SILKWORM DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT

Mulberry silkworms are threatened by pebrine (H. Transovarian transmission of

microsporidian, Nosema bombysis and strains of Nosema sp.), Grasserie (a viral
disease caused by nuclear polyhedral virus), muscardie (fungal disease caused by
Beauvaria bassiana) and aspergillosis (caused by Aspergillus flavus). Use of
disinfectants like Vijetha and vijeta supplement, developed by the CSR&TI,
Mysore, and other disinfectants like suraksha, sanjivani, Resharn jyothi
developed by other research institute have been found effective, which besides
preventing all silkworm disease also improve silkworm rearing performances and
increase in cocoon by 12-15 kg/Dfls. had been recorded in the field, due to the
application of the vijetha. For prevention and control of aspergillosi disease,
Dithane M-45 in kaoline or Captan in slaked lime on silkworm body had also
been found effective.
Uzifly ( Exorista bombosis ) is a serious endo-larval parasitoid of silkworm,
Bombyx mori which is estimated to caused 10-20% losses, Integrated Pest
Management (IPM)developed against Uzi fly, comprising biological agents
( Nesolynx thymus, an ecto-pupal parasitoid )along with physical (rearing in
nylon-nets ) and chemical control methods such as uzitrap and spray of uzicide.
11.

TECHNOLOGY FOR PREVENTION/ CONTROL OF

SILKWORM IN REARING HOUSE AND APPLIANCES

DISEASE

OF

1. CLEANING:
Immediately after the disposal of cocoons, collect at one place inside the
rearing house, all diseased and dead larvae, pupae floss over mulberry, bed

refuse, silkworm faces, dust dirt etc. and disinfect by sprinkling 5%

bleaching powder solution and dispose off by burying at 2ft depth or
burning.
2. DISINFECTION:
Measure the length and the breadth of the rearing house including the leaf
preservation room, mounting room etc. and calculate the floor area for
disinfection. The disinfectant required for disinfection of rearing house is
21ft/sq.mt. floor area. Disinfect the rearing house using 2% bleaching
powder in 0.3% slaked lime, 2.5% chlorine dioxide in 0.5% or 2% formalin
+0.05% detergent solution.
Spray using powerful jet sprayer, the required quantity of disinfectant
( 2.0lit/m2 floor area of rearing house 255 of disinfectant solution for
appliances + 10% for outside of rearing house.) uniformly to drench all part
of rearing house inside appliance out of rearing house and sundry for 1012hrs.
Rearing tray are the main source of infection agent and most difficult and
expensive to achieve disinfection. To avoid this, changing over the rearing
silkworm on shoot is advantageous. This method does not require
additional disinfectant for appliance as only the rack and nylons are used.
3. DISINFECTION PRIOR TO BRUSHING
5 days before brushing: The rearing house and appliances are cleaned,
washed in water if tray and other appliance used conduct additional
disinfection by dipping them in disinfectant and spraying disinfectant.
4days: sundry the appliance if the prevalence of viral disease (Grasserie
and Flacherie ) were high during the previous crop, spray 0.3% slaked lime
in water (3g/lit) to the rearing house and appliance @2lit/cm floor area
additional requirement. Sundry the appliances after 12hrs of spray.
3days: conduct second disinfection of rearing house and appliances. Shift
all the disinfected appliances into the disinfected rearing house and
arrange in the room. Disinfect the rearing house and appliance by spraying
2% bleaching powder in 0.3% slaked lime solution or 2.5% sanitech in 0.5%
in 0.5% slaked lime or 0.2% formalin+0.05% detergent solution. The second
disinfection may follow the first if the gap is not too much.
2 days: Dust 5% bleaching powder in slaked lime powder in slaked lime
powder @200gm/sq.mt at the entrance of the rearing house and the
passage to it. Sprinkle water @ 1lit/sq.mt floor area. Prevent contamination
of rearing house and appliances.
1 day: Arrange appliances for chawki rearing and mounting hall closed
(and only 1 day before the larvae are to be shifted).

12.

STRTIGIES

Several strategies and scheme assistance proposed to provide the farmers and
silk reeling entrepreneur involved in sericulture industry for the following basic
amenities required for silkworm rearing and reeling.
For planting high yielding varieties.
Provisions of training to farmers in silkworm rearing for installing drip
irrigation in mulberry garden.
For the construction of separate silkworm rearing house.
For the procurement of improved silkworm rearing equipments.
For the establishment of chawki rearing centres.
For the establishment of silk twisting units.
For the establishment of loom through jacquard.
For the establishment of silk reeling units in different levels.
13.

14.

THREATS OF SILK INDUSTRY

Intrusion of artificial, low cost, synthetic silk fibbers from other countries
like China.
Rapid de-forestation, industrialization and deterioration of bio-resources in
nature are a vulnerable threat.
Blending of undesirable silk fibres with polyesters/terralyn/shiffon and
other synthetic fibre crushing the genuine silk market in regional, national,
and global prospects.
Switching off traditionally wool/cotton weavers to silk industry is also not a
healthy sign for rural employment through cotton industries.
Fire in forest and snowfall on high altitude plantation does not favour the
silk industry.
Lack of heavierness, gender sensitization and liking parameter of male and
female sexes of different age groups without an extensive survey and study
also is under quest of threat.

CONCLUSION

Although sericulture has a traditional base in the country it is only after the
efforts of different institution of the Central Silk Board that has brought change
in the silk production of our country. Lots of improvement has been brought by
the Central Silk Board like improving the feeding, rearing and improvement in the
quality of international grade. Now our country is ready for a big leap to reach the
top position among other silk producing countries. And the sericulture industry
gave great opportunity to get employment to the future generation.