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20215
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Subject: Sericulture × End date: 2021 × Start date: 2020 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDY ON EFFECT OF METHIONINE AND TRYPTOPHAN ON THE LARVAL GROWTH, COCOON CHARACTERS AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF ERI SILKWORM, Samia ricini Donovan
    (2021) Hazarika, Abhyarthana; Saikia, Monimala
    A study on effect of methionine and tryptophan on the larval growth, cocoon characters and reproductive parameters of eri silkworm, Samia ricini Donovan was carried out during the month of December-February, 2020-2021 in the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. The study revealed that fortification of castor leaves with methionine and tryptophan significantly improved the larval growth, cocoon characters as well as reproductive parameters of eri silkworm, Samia ricini Donovan. Methionine and tryptophan supplementation especially at 500 ppm concentration found to have more pronounced effect as compared to the remaining concentrations over the control. Fortification of castor leaves with tryptophan at the rate of 500 ppm concentration resulted in maximum increment in respect of larval and cocoon parameters viz., larval weight (both full grown and matured), silk gland weight, Silk Gland Tissue Somatic Index (SGTSI), cocoon yield (g/100 nos. of larvae), cocoon weight, pupal weight, shell weight and shell ratio. Reproductive parameters including total moth emergence, male and female adult longevity, fecundity and hatching percentage also showed a notable influence in larvae fed on 500 ppm tryptophan fortified castor leaves. In case of developmental periods viz., larval (fourth and fifth instar) as well as pupal periods, a significant decrease was observed in amino acid treated batches over control and was more prominent at 500 ppm tryptophan. However, 500 ppm methionine followed by 500 ppm tryptophan reduced the incubation period. The combination treatments of methionine and tryptophan did not express much improvement in respect of these parameters when compared to the individual treatments of methionine and tryptophan. It was observed that fortification of castor leaves with methionine and tryptophan did not have any significant effect on third instar larval duration, Effective Rate of Rearing (ERR), individual male and female moth emergence as well as coupling percentage of eri silkworm. Thus, from the present investigation it can be inferred that fortification of castor leaves with methionine and tryptophan is effective for improvement of larval growth, cocoon characters and reproductive parameters of eri silkworm. Though all the concentrations had positive impact on all the parameters but tryptophan and methionine at a concentration of 500 ppm was more efficient and exert promontory effect than other doses for improving larval growth, cocoon characters and reproductive parameters.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the production, processing and marketing of sericulture in Dima Hasao District of Assam
    (2021) Nunisa, Rastra; Hazarika, Chandan
    Sericulture has been practiced in Assam for a long period of time, and the State is proud of traditionally producing Eri, Muga and Mulberry silks. Dima Hasao is one of the important districts of Assam where all four types of silk are available viz. Eri, Muga, Mulberry and Oak Tasar, the prime position occupied by ericulture. The other three silks has lost its competitiveness in recent times but has a scope because of its varying climatic conditions amongst the seri-zone of the district. The study was conducted to analyze “Production, Processing and Marketing of Sericulture in Dima Hasao”, having five development blocks and selecting randomly two villages each from the blocks. A total of 100 respondents were selected randomly for the study. Primary and secondary data collected were edited, scored, systematically tabulated and analyzed by using various statistical tools and techniques such as percentages, compound growth rates, marketing cost and margin analysis, price spread and marketing efficiency, Garrett ranking etc. The study reveals that Dima Hasao is ericulture dominated with an average of 94.03 % families engaged contributing an average production of 3.7 % cocoon and 3.8 % raw silk respectively to the total production of the State. Though negative(–ve) growth rate (-23.72) was observed in Muga, there was significant increase in Eri(15.80) and Mulberry(15.03). Similar trend was also observed in raw silk production in the district. Traditional method of processing of sericulture in the district was still followed by the respondents using Takli and spinning charkhas for yarn production. The main fabric made by eri yarn was a special type of shawl called Rhithap, suitable in winter. Two marketing channels were identified for cocoon marketing and one channel for pupae marketing. Majority (92.37 %) of cocoons were observed to be transacted through channel- I (Rearer - Broker – Consumer). Cocoon price keeps fluctuating, sold for Rs. 600-700 per kg and Rs.500 per kg for pupae. Marketing efficiency was found to be higher in the channel-II in case of cocoon marketing. Shortage of feeds, lack of healthy seeds, lack of information etc were some main constraints encountered during cocoon production. Unavailability of equipments, financial problems, unavailability of proper market structure etc were also identified to be main problems in processing sector. Price fluctuation, middlemen interference, marketing problem etc were also associated in sericulture market channels.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF CERCOSPORA LEAF SPOT OF CASTOR (Ricinus communis L.) IN AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITION OF ASSAM
    (2021-11) Narzary, Prety Rekha; Sarmah, D. K.
    Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is the primary host plant of the eri silkworm Samia ricini Donovan, a domesticated polyphagous multivoltine lepidopteran insect which is responsible for producing the eri silk. The healthy and robust growth of the eri silkworms primarily depends upon the quality and quantity of castor leaves, which ultimately reflects in the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the cocoons produced. Cercospora leaf spot of castor, caused by Cercospora ricinella Sacc. & Berl. is one of the major foliar diseases encountered in the cultivation of castor, causing substantial injury to leaves intended as feed for eri silkworms. Study on occurrence and epidemiology was done during three seasons i.e. pre-monsoon (Mar-May), monsoon (Jun- Aug) and post-monsoon (Sept-Nov) by correlating weather parameters such as, temperature, rainfall, number of rainy days, relative humidity and bright sunshine hours with disease incidence. It was inferred that, disease incidence was prevalent at high levels during the pre-monsoon season (Mar-May) followed by monsoon as compared to post-monsoon season. Disease incidence is positively correlated to maximum temperature (significant), minimum temperature, RH (at P.M.), rainfall and number of rainy days (non-significant) and negatively correlated to RH (at A.M.) and BSSH (nonsignificant). A total of 8 treatments were taken for the experiment of management of the disease in pot condition. The treatments included a phytoextract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) @ 5%, a bio agent (Trichoderma viride) @ 5% and a chemical fungicide (Copper oxychloride) @ 0.2 % and their combinations, applied as foliar spray at 15 days interval. None of the eco-friendly treatments were found superior than chemical fungicide inclusive treatment, Tulsi extract + T. viride + Copper oxychloride, where lowest disease incidence was recorded (7.13%). Among eco-friendly treatments, Tulsi extract + T. viride (12.48 %) was found to be the best. Treatments containing T. viride promoted the growth of plants in terms of leaf area, shoot length, root length, dry and fresh weight of root, thus showing dual roles as bio control agent and plant growth promoter. Biochemical analysis revealed the highest total chlorophyll and flavonoid content in plants treated with Tulsi extract + T. viride + Copper oxychloride whereas, MDA (Malondialdehyde content) in leaf tissues was found to be highest in control and lowest in pots treated with Tulsi extract + T. viride + Copper oxychloride. Another investigation was conducted to find out the effect of treated castor leaves on eri silkworm growth. Silkworms fed with castor leaves treated with T.viride + Tulsi extract showed the best results followed by worms fed with leaves treated with Tulsi extract + T. viride + COC.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    MUGA CULTURE IN DHAKUAKHANA: AN ALTERNATIVE FARM-BASED SERICULTURAL ACTIVITY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD
    (AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Chamuah, Priyanka; Borah, Debajit
    The present study was carried out at Dhakuakhana sub-division of Lakhimpur district, Assam with a sample of 160 respondents by following simple random sampling technique to attain the objectives of the study. Appropriate statistical tools viz., frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, weightage mean score, correlation, chi square and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that majority (48.75 %) of the respondents were in the age group of 36-56 years with primary school level of education (30.00 %) and were belonged to small sized family consisting of 2-4 members (53.75 %) who considered agriculture as their primary source of income (53.75 %). Most of them (70.00 %) had an average annual income between Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,77,000; most of the respondents (75.00 %) had 3-5 working members in their household and were small farmers with land holding from 1-2 ha (46.25 %). Moreover, majority (50.62 %) of the respondents were having medium level of farming experience between 10- 20 years, medium level of extension contacts and knowledge level on recommended practices of muga (75.62 %) cultivation. Majority of the respondents (75.00 %) did not have membership in farmers’ organization and utilization of communication channel for collecting information was also low for most (40.78 %) of the respondents. Majority of the respondents (58.75 %) had medium level of training exposure and most of them put in their own finance for investment in cultivating muga (55.63 %). Besides these, majority of the respondents (60.00 %) sell their produce through village traders. Most of the muga rearers (58.75 %) exhibited a medium level of extent of adoption of recommended scientific practices of muga. Through multiple regression analysis it was found that age, education, average annual family income, size of operational land holding, farming experience, extension contact and training exposure were the significant factors that influenced the extent of likelihood of adoption of scientific muga rearing practices. The findings suggested that the government should take proper initiatives to help the muga rearers and proper financial, technical, and other supports should be provided to the rearers by the extension agencies, institutions etc. Periodical need-based training should be provided and timely meetings should be made between the rearers and experts to get proper information and solutions. It is imperative to conclude from the study that muga industry is strong enough to establish a distinctive identity in the study area. Muga culture involves simple scientific technology which is easy to understand and adopt. The rearers need to be encouraged towards the adoption of scientific recommended practices of muga to achieve more production and income generation. Thus, the rearers of Dhakuakhana should be made realized about the economic importance of muga and encourage them to consider it as an alternate farm-based plan for their sustainable livelihood.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    A STUDY ON THE EXTENT OF ADOPTION OF SCIENTIFIC MUGA CULTURE TECHNOLOGY BY THE REARERS OF SONITPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM
    (AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Saikia, Dababrata; Saikia, Monimala
    The present study was conducted in Sonitpur district of Assam during the year 2020-2021. To attain the objective of the study a multistage sampling design was followed for selection of the respondents and a total of 120 respondents were selected. Appropriate statistical tools viz., frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation and chi-square test were applied to analyse the data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (42.50%) belonged to the middle age group. Most of the respondents (47.50%) belonged to the category OBC (Other Backward Class) and had their (35.00%) education up to middle school. Among the respondents, medium size (50.00%) family was found to be dominant and farming was their primary occupation with medium level of income ranging from Rs. 52,000-1,71,000. Regarding size of operational land holding, majority (40.83%) of the muga farmers owned operational land holding of 1-2 ha. Majority of the respondents (48.33%) had farming experience between 10-20 years. It was also observed that most of the respondents had medium level of extension contact (73.33%), medium risk bearing ability (65.83%), medium decision making ability (60.83%) and medium level of marketing orientation (69.17%). As regards to training exposure, only 27.50 per cent of the respondents had received any training. The study further revealed that 65.83 per cent muga farmers had medium level of extent of adoption. Operational land holding, primary occupation of the family, annual family income, farming experience, risk bearing ability, decision making ability, marketing orientation and training exposure were found to be positively and significantly associated with the extent of adoption. Major problems faced by the muga rearers are lack of self-awareness or interest on adoption of technology, lack of glamour, lack of own land, adverse climatic condition, non-availability of storage facilities for cocoons, lack of adequate knowledge regarding cultivation practices of host plants and rearing practices of muga, non-availability of regulated cocoon market, non-availability of own vehicle and delay in getting loan. Adoption of scientific technologies among the farmers has significant impact on growth and development of muga silk industry as well as economic benefit of the farmer. Effective extension intervention may aid the process of intensification for full scale commercialization of muga silk production by facilitating adoption of scientific package of practices. Suitable and need based training should be organised by the concerned authority for improving knowledge and skills regarding scientific muga rearing and cultivation practices in the study area.