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Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open Access
A STUDY ON LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES OF MUGA SILKWORM REARERS OF SIVASAGAR DISTRICT OF ASSAM.
(2019-07) Hussain, NawabTasmin; Dutta, L.C.
The study entitled “A study on livelihood opportunities of muga silkworm rearers of Sivasagar district of Assam” was carried out in Sivasagar district.The data were collected personally by the investigator through interview method. Simple frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation, along with regression were used for analysis. The study revealed that majority(53.33%) of the muga rearers belonged to the Middle-aged group of 36-55 years of age with 68.33 per cent having middle school level of education with all of them belonging to the caste category of Other Backward Class (OBC). It was evident from the study that majority of the muga rearers had small sized family(52.50%) and were marginal rearers(95%).91.66% of the muga rearers had medium income category.Only 11.66 % of the muga rearers were in contact with extension personnels with more than two third (73.33%) of the them having not attended any training on muga rearing.A total of 69 respondents were involved only in sericulture alone followed by 22 of them who practiced agriculture alongwith sericulture.Moreover they have taken up some other options of earning livelihood as petty business, dairy, goatery, with few of them into some services as driving.It was also seen that two factors namely Operational Land Holding and Higher secondary level of education of the muga rearer determined to a greater extent his livelihood opportunities In the course of the study, various independent factors as age, education, caste, etc were studied and its effect on livelihood opportunities of an individual was analyzed statistically to find out the most important factors that significantly affected the livelihood options opted by the respondents of the Sivasagar district. Hence this study would be a helpful reference in the future to be used for analyzing various implifications regarding the choice of livelihood for a muga farmer. It would further instigate the Govt. and concerned authorities to upscale the strategies needed for the expansion of muga culture and attract less problems.
Open Access
PHENOLOGY AND COCOON CHARACTERS OF ERI SILKWORM (Samia ricini) AS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY UNDER JORHAT CONDITIONS
(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Das, Sudipta Kumar; Dutta, L.C.
An investigation on “Phenology and cocoon characters of Eri silkworm (Samia ricini) as affected by temperature and humidity under Jorhat conditions” was carried out in the Department of Sericulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during summer, autumn, early spring and late spring seasons in the year 2018-19. The results revealed that the occurrence of the phenophases and cocoon characters varied significantly in different rearing seasons. The phenophases viz. egg laying period, incubation period, egg hatching duration, larval duration (instar-wise and total), instar-wise moulting duration and cocoon spinning period were found to be longest during early spring season followed by late spring and autumn season. The shortest duration of the phenophases was observed during summer season. Cocoon characters viz. cocoon weight and cocoon shell weight were highest in early spring season followed by late spring and autumn season while lowest values were observed during the summer season. The egg hatching percentage and instar-wise larval weights were found to be highest during early spring season followed by late spring and autumn season while the summer season registered for the lowest values. Larval accumulated growing degree days were observed to be highest during early spring followed by summer, autumn and late spring. Most of the phenophases and cocoon characters were negatively correlated with temperature and relative humidity. The accumulated growing degree days during larval period had a positive effect on the cocoon yield parameters. Predictive models for growth and cocoon yield of eri silkworm developed which indicated the most significant weather factor (temperature and relative humidity) responsible for growth and cocoon yield. Thus, from the present investigation, it can be inferred that the occurrence of different phenophases and cocoon characters of eri silkworm were largely regulated by the environmental temperature and relative humidity during the seasons. The best season for rearing was found to be early spring (March-April) considering the larval growth parameters and cocoon yield of eri silkworm. Predictive models developed on the basis of temperature, relative humidity and accumulated growing degree days can be used to estimate the growth and cocoon yield of eri silkworm in different rearing seasons. The findings of the study will help to develop agro-advisory bulletin for various seasons which will help the farmers to adapt eri culture in a proper and efficient way for quantitative and qualitative production of eri cocoon and silk.
Open Access
A STUDY ON THE ERICULTURE BASED LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES OF THE KACHARI TRIBE IN JORHAT DISTRICT OF ASSAM
(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Buragohain, Chowcin Borsali; Saikia, Monimala
Livelihood opportunities refer to adequate and sustainable access to income and resources to meet the basic needs of life. The present study was conducted among the eri rearers of Kachari tribe in the Jorhat district of Assam with a sample size of 120 respondents. A multistage purposive cum random sampling design was followed for the selection of the respondents. The data were collected by personal interview method with the help of a pre-tested structured research schedule measuring ten different independent variables. „Ericulture based livelihood opportunities of the Kachari tribe in Jorhat district of Assam‟ was selected as the dependent variable. Statistical techniques like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, Spearman‟s correlation coefficient were used for analyzing data, drawing inferences and testing hypotheses. The recent study revealed that 51.67 per cent respondents belonged to the age group 36-50 years having educational qualification mainly up to primary school level (38.33%). Almost 63.33 per cent had medium size of family. Majority of them had kutcha type houses (65.00%). The eri rearers were found to be mainly small (40.00%) category of land holdings with moderate risk bearing ability (75.00%) and decision making ability (62.50%). Most (65.84%) of the eri rearers had an annual income in the range 1,00,001 and above. Total forty nine numbers of ericulture based livelihood options were found among the respondents. Majority (25.83%) of the eri rearers followed “ericulture + paddy + vegetable” as their livelihood option followed by 6.66 per cent involved in “ericulture + paddy + poultry + arecanut”, 5.83 per cent followed “ericulture + paddy+ dairy+ poultry”. Different types of respondents adopted different types of livelihood options along with eri culture to increase their income. The study disclosed that 48.33 per cent respondents attended training on different aspects of eri culture practices. Majority of the male eri rearers needed training on nursery preparation (66.67%), preparation of hank (66.67%) and marketing (41.67%) whereas female eri rearers needed high training on brushing of larvae (51.67%), harvesting of cocoons (51.67%), spinning of silk (48.33%) and preparation of hank (66.67%). A positive and significant relationship was found between ericulture based livelihood opportunities and type of house, family size and annual income. The findings of the study have revealed considerable scope for the livelihood of the Kachari eri rearers which may be drawn as a relevant policy decision to facilitate to upscale and secure their livelihoods through adequate extension and training support.

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