Mulberry Cultivation in India

In news:

• Cocoon production in Karnataka, which had been hit by a mulberry disease, appears poised to pick up just in time to meet the growing demand for indigenous silk.

About Mulberry Cultivation

• Mulberry foliage is the only food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori) and is grown under varied climatic conditions ranging from temperate to tropical.
• Mulberry leaf is a major economic component in sericulture since the quality and quantity of leaf produced per unit area have a direct bearing on cocoon harvest.
• In India, most states have taken up sericulture as an important agro-industry with excellent results.
• The total area of mulberry in the country is around 2,82,244 ha.

About Mulberry:

• Mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous woody perennial plant. It has a deep root system.
• There are about 68 species of the genus Morus (Mulberry).
• Mulberry thrives under various climatic conditions ranging from temperate to tropical located north of the equator between 28° N and 55°N latitude.
• The ideal range of temperature is from 24 to 28°C.
• Mulberry grows well in places with an annual rainfall ranging from 600 to 2500 mm

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. Which of the following plant/tree species is associated with sericulture?

a. Eucalyptus

b. Oak

c. Mussaenda

d. Mulberry

Answer to Prelims question