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 NEW TECHNOLOGY OF
SILKWORM REARING

Dn. S. KRISHNASWAMI
DIRECTOR (neto.)
Central Sericultural Research & Training lnstitute, Mysore

(Reprinted from the Bulletin No. 2 of the C. S. R. & T. t., Mysore)

CENTRAL SILK BOARD

(Govt. of lndia- Ministry ol Textiles)
BAI\GALOFrE
Reprint: April-l990 - 5,000 coPies

Published by:

ShriP. S. S. Thomas
Member-Secretary
CentralSilk Board
United Mansions
No. 39, Mahatma Gandhi Road
BANGALORE.56O OO1.

Printed at:

Omkar CIlset Printers

I
Bangalore-560 002.
Phone: 609026/6081 86
I

Price: Rs.3
 CONTENTS
Page

I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. TECHNICAL ASPECTS 2

i) Rearing House
ii) Environmental Requirements
iii) Q.uality of Leaves
iv) Leaf Preservation
v) Spacing of Worms in the Beds
vi) Quantity of Leaf to be Fed
vii) Moulting
viii) Growth of Silkworms
III. IMPROVED TECHNIQUE 14

i) Disinfection
ii) Quality of Eggs, lncubation & Hatching
iii) Rearing of Young Age Silkworms
iv) Rearing of Late Age Silkworms
v) Mounting
vi) Harvest
vii) Mortality due to Diseases
viii) Cocoon Yield

IV ADVANTAGES 23
 I. INTRODUCTION

The practice of Sericulture comprises of two major activities namely cultivation

of mulberry for raising the leaf crop to feed the silkworm and rearing of silkworms to
produce the cocoons which is the raw material for the silk reeling industry. Mulberry
cultivation is agricultural in nature, the operations involved being simple, straight and
easy to be carried out. On the other hand, silkworm rearing is a quite complicated
process, calling lor a great management skill with due understanding of the various
technical aspects involved. The sllkworm which has been domesticated and evolved
over many thousands of generationS, to produce substantial quantities of silk in a very
short period, is indeed very delicate and requires careful handling during the process
of rearing. Highly productive races are still more delicate and demanding in their
ecological requirements. Therefore, the job of raising highly productive silkworms in
tropical areas as in South lndia is really tough.

lndian Sericulture in the past has been characterised by either poor cocoon crop
yields or even total loss on certain occasions. Until 1970, the average yield of cocoons
for 100 disease free layings (comprising roughly about 40,000 eggs) was of the order
of only 20-25 kgs. as against 60-65 kgs. in temperate regions like Japan, Korea,
USSR etc. Further, one out of every three or four crops used to result in total loss for
the sericulturist. An analysis of the poor cocoon crop results in lndia indicated low
values for the two important components that go to make the yield, namely, the number
of cocoons harvested per laying and the average weight of the cocoon. ln the past,
only about 50 per cent of the hatched larvae in a laying spun the cocoons successfully
and the average cocoon weight was hardly 1 to 1.25 gms. Therefore, in a laying of
about 400 eggs, only about 200 cocoons were harvested which gave a yield of 200
to 250 gms. ln other words, the yield was of the order of 20 to 25 kgs. per 100 disease
free layings. lf only these two components could be improved by 50 per cent
individually, the combined effect will result in the number of cocoons harvested from
a laying going upto 75 per cent or 300 cocoons and the average cocoon weight to 1.7
gms. That is to say, from a laying 300 cocoons weighing in all 510 gms. can be
obtained; i.e.51 kgs. from 100 disease free layings which would mean doubling the
prevaiiing cocoon yields. lf the layings are richer and the average number of eggs
present goes upto 500, the yield will also correspondingly increase from 51 kgs. to
63.25 kgs. per 100 disease free layings. lt can go still higher, if the number of cocoons
 harvested from a laying could be stepped up further, beyond 75%.
Thus, the key to
bumper cocoon harvests lies in the skill of management of silkworm
rearing aimed at
achieving higher values for the above two components, namely, increased -number
of
cocoons from a laying and higher cocoon weight.

Towards this end, serious research was initiated by the author first
at Central
Sericultural Research Station, Berhampore and later at Central Sericultural
Research
and Training lnstitute, Mysore. Based on the results achieved, the first paper
on ,,Some
Aspectsof lmproved Technique of Rearing for Mulberry Silkworm"
was published in
'lndian Silk'" in 1971. This irnproved technique has
been since pooularised on a large
scale during the last seven years in South lndia. As a result, it has
been possible for
the sericulturists adopting the new technique to step up the average yields
from the
earlier level of 20'-25 kgs. to 30-40 kgs. at present. Also, total loss
of one crop out
of every 3-4 crops experienced earlier has been considerably reduced. Besides,
introduction of highly productive bivoltine hybrids for producing reeling
cocoons in the
traditionally multivoltine areas of tropics became possible. Again,
technique, which has helped in the'recent past to extend seiiculture
it is the new
to new areas in
North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, till recenily .o*lo"r"o
as
unsuitable for sericulture because of the high temperature and/or
high humidity.
Although, to a large extent, the new technique has been fairly
understood and
practised by a good number of sericulturists today, need
stiil exists to educate them
further and also others who are yet to take to it, so that the averagae
crop yields could
be further improved to the level of 40-50 kgs. for 1oO disease free
tayings. With this
object in view, this paper on "New Technorogy of Sirkworm Rearing,,
published as Bulletin No. 2 of the lnstitute, with necessary
is being
revision so that full
significance of the various recommendations made in regard to silkworm
rearing could
be properly appreciated and practised (without inadvertant lapses)
by the sericulturists.
These recommendations' when followed systematically, will ensure
optimum coc(,on
yields, practically in all the seasons.

II. TECHNICAL ASPECTS

The various technlcal aspects involved and the details of procedures to be
followed in silkworm rearing are discussed below.

i) Rearing House:

The first pre-requisite is a fairly satisfactory room or house

for rearing silkworms
whlch should have adequate number of windows, ensuring
free cross ventilation. lt
should also be possible Io'make it reasonably air tight to faciitate
effective disinlection
of the room/house, when required. The roof should have sufficienily
high ceiling, upto
10'or so' so that wide fluctuations of temperature outside the room do not
affect the
conditions inside very much' Although such ideal requirements
cannot be afforded by
every sericulturtst (who is normally a poor or marginal farmer)
it should be the goal to
. Monthty pubrication
"t ffi".
2
try to have a separate rearing house, satisfying the above specifications. The State
Departments of Sericulture have drawn up special schemes to assist the sericulturist
by way of subsidies and loans on easy terms in this regard and therefore, every
sericultttrist who does not possess a separate room or house for silkworm rearing
should avail this assistance.

ii) Environmehtat nequirements:

The atmospheric temperature and humidity have a great bearing on the growth
and health of the silkworms. The ideal temperature - humidity conditions under which
the silkworms thrive best are 24" lo 27"C and 70% lo 90% relative humidity. The young
age worms require higher temperature and humidity and the late age worms, lower
temperature and humidity within the above range. But these are hardly obtainable in
nature, particularly in the tropical zone of South lndia, where the temperature shoots
upto over 30'C in summer and drops below 20'C during the rainy/winter seasons.
Similarly, the humidity also lluctuates widely not only from season to season but also
within the day itself during any season. Yet, it should be the endeavour of every
sericulturist to bring the rearing room temperalure/humidity conditions as close as
possible to the ideal requirements of the silkworm. This can be achieved within
reasonable limits by manipulating the ventilation within the room.

For instance,during summer, when the day temperature goes very high, all the
Windows should be kept open during nigrht. This enables the room temperature to come
down. Further, all the windows and doors should be opened very early in the morning
so that the cooler air from outside is allowed to blow freely inside and bring down the
temperature to optimum levels. Thereafter, as the sun rises and the outside
temperature goes up, the doors and windows should be closed (at about 9-10 a.m.)
to keep out the heat and thereby, maintain the rearing room temperature as low as
possible. Similarly, during the colder seasons, the doors and windows should kept
closed during nights to keep out the cold and later in the day, as the outside
temperature goes up, they should be opened to allow warm air to get in.ln the same
way humidity of the room also can be controlled by closing the doors and windows
when it rains to keep out humidity and opening them when the rains have stopped to
let in free blowing air to bring down the humidity.

During colder months, as in December - January, if the temperature falls too low
necessary steps to raise the temperature to the desired level should be taken through
artificial heating of the rooms with the aid of electric room heaters or smokeless
charcoal fire. This is particularly necessary at the "chawki" (young age) stage rearing.

The above steps go a long way to provide the near-ideal environmental

conditions for the silkworm to grow and thrive well. lt is in this context, the need for
a suitable rearing room or house conforming to the bare minimum specifications
described above will be found unavoidable.
 iii) Quality of Leaves:

Another major factor to be taken into consideration in silkworm

rearing is the
quality of leaf, because growth of the silkworm very much
depends on tn" luatity of
leaves fed to it- The reaves best rerished and utirised are those containing more
moisture, protein, sugars and carbohydrates and less ash and fibre.
They look both
succulent and dark green in colour. Such good quality leaves
can be obtained only from
, mulberry lields that are managed well, adopting optimum
agronomic practices like
application of rnanures and fertilisers, timely and correct way
intercultivation etc., including suitable moisture conservation
of irrigation,
measures in the case of
rainfed gardens, as described in Bulletin No. 1 of the lnstitute.
ln about 2lo2llzmonths
time followinE pruning or last picking of leaves, the plants get
covered witn Laves tnat
would have reached correct stage of maturity to be plucked
and fed to the silkworms
in the last instar- Therefore, commencing of rearing should be
so timed that bulk of the
harvest is made and utilised at the correct stage of leaf maturity,
before tne teaves oet
either overmatured or turn yellow and shed. Thus, timely harvest of leaves ;.*l; ]

both higher leaf yield (without loss due to yellowing and shedding) and
better quatitv i
of leaves for feeding silkworms (avoiding deterioration in quality due
to ou", r"tujtyj."' i

Further; for vigorous and uniform development of the worms it is also imoortant I

to see that the leaf quality does not differ widely in the leaf harvest.
Overmatur"
yellowing leaves are very poor in quality and therefore, "nJ
I

these should O" ,"ti.rlr"iJ I

avoided while harvesting. Those inadverlantly got mixed should picked
be I
time of feeding' ln the case of row system of cultivation, where the "ri;;;
whole ,noor ,"iio; I
of harvesting leaves is practised, the harvest carries with it the very tender ,"r11i"J
I
growing parts of the plant as weil. The latter varies in quality
considerably from ,h" I
of the leaves, containing too much moisture. lt is, therefore, advisaOle to '.;;i
.lip tn""" I
terminal buds about a week prior to the harvest, so that these does not
"r[""*ii-
conre I
the leaf harvest and also the rest of the leaves may attain more uniformity
in qr"ii,i.
|
The quality of leaf may also vary considerably from season to
season, beinq I
influenced by the climatic factors. ln the hot dry se"son, the leaves grow
and ;;; I
fast, but wither quickly. lts life in the rearing bed is short necessitating
upto tive ieJjl I
or even six feeds per day during the hot dry months. ln the rainy season,
although the leaves grow and mature fast, they contain more
no*"u"i I
moisture. Their life';; t;; I
:".il?n*3:g"HnJ"#,T" ii3'*1iiJ,?'."'nJli*'1,'iliffl;,31"t:,T?il"nn:li I
,TJi",ffi,,;Tfii'H.'"n'#':*?:l ili[T,i"ii;.[ :l,.n'ruiffi- :?';gfftr
more mature leaf containing ress moisture. ln fact, ouring rainy I
season, ii is t
of the instars. That "d;;;
to use one stage more.matured leaves while feeding
is io"];;: I
"".i
;';l,i,;ff'ffj"'Jffitr'.ffi:ii;il;'il:"i"ff":1:'i^i1'""J:ffii*:l,r
::Jft"i:
such seasons maintaining good ventiration in rhe rearing
rooms ;;;
;:: I
I
 It is also advisable to keep the rearing trays or 'thattes' in alternate tiers on the
racks, leaving one tier empty between every two trays, aileast till the final moult. Thls
will ensure better ventilation of the rearing beds and thereby, eliminate building up of
excessive humidity over the bed. ln this connection, it 'may be mentioneO tfrat
sericulturists, in their anxiety to rear maximum number of layings within a limited space,
tend to use racks with too many tiers, the space between them being 6" or even less.
This does not permit of proper aeration of the rearing beds, particularly when the
atmospheric humidity is high and also when the moisture content of the leaf is
excessive. Hence, it is desirable that racks with atleast a minimum of 9,,to 10,, gap
between the tiers are used. Further, where wooden trays are used for rearing, the
height of the side walls should be about 3" only, so that there is sufficient gap available
between any two successive trays.

ln the cold season, the growth of mulberry is comparatively slower and so, the
leaves also mature gradually. Such leaves have better keeping quality, optimum
moisutre content and consequently better feed value. Four feeds per day may be found
adequato and the leaves neither wither nor increase bed humidity, leading to normally
successful crops, assisted also by favourable temperature/humidity ci:nditions of the
season as in December-January.

ln seasons, when the day/night temperature ditference is high i.e., with a warm day
and a cool to cold night, the leaf quality is again good, since the photosynthetic activity
during day is maximum, while the assimilation of the manufactured food is minimum durirq
night.

iv) Leaf Preservation:

It is important not only to produce highly nutritious and succulent leaves but also
to preserve them after harvest in as fresh a stdte as possible till they are consugned
by the silkworms. The freshly harvested succulent leaves undergo changes lollowing
harvest. The loss of moisture particularly is very rapid during hot dry seajons and this
affects the edibility or palatability of the leaves for silkworms. ln the multivoltine areas
of lndia where the temperature is generally higher, the leaves wither fast and thus
become nutritively poorer. To prevent withering of the leaves, attempts are made to
increase and maintain the relative humidity of the rearing rooms. This step may be
found only partially helpful in preventing quick withering, but is certainly detrimental to
the health of the worms, particularly in the 4th and Sth itages, which are comparatively
less resistant to high temperature and high humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to
prevent moisture loss in leaves, at the same time, without increasing the humidity
in
the rearing rooms. This can be achieved in the following manner.

Fresh and succulent leaves harvested from the plant should be collected
in wet
gNJny clolh or in bamboo baskets lined inside and
covered with wet gunny cloth and
 transported to the rearing houses where they
should be immediately preserved loose
under a wet cloth which should be kept sufficienily
wet all the
on it repeatedly at convenient intervals. Leaves preserved time by sprinkling water
as above, in fact absorb
more moisture and remain fresh for a longer
time in the rearing beds and the worms
eat them avidly' lt has also been established
that reaves so preserved, in fact, show
higher moisture and protein content and that
the higher moisture content helps
digestibility of the worms. The direct result
of such leaf preservation is much higher
consumption by the worms and highry significant
gain in weight of the worms.
Therefore' proper preservation of moisture
and other nutrients is essential and should
be carried out without fail' special leaf preservation
bins covered with gunny cloth may
be found useful for the purpose as shown in Figure _
1.

Figure I _ Leaf storage bin being sprayed

wrth water repealedly
during summer months

sericulturists have the unfounded fear that such

reaves rnay lead to Grasserie
afflictions' on the other hand, it is the sprinkling
of water in the rearing rooms with a
view to raise humidity for the prevention
of leaf withering that leads to unfavourable

6
 atmospheric conditions in the rearing rooms and often results in outbreak of diseases.
It should be remembered that the worms that are fed with such water treated leaves
during preservation should be adequately spaced so that there may be proper
venlilation in the rearing beds. Care should also be taken to see that direcily wet ieaves
carrying water droplets over lhem are strictly avoided as this would lead to troubles
from diseases. lf any water droplets are found on the leaves they should be wiped out
before being fs6.

ln rainy seasons, however, a situation quite opposite of what exists during hor
weather prevails where the leaves contain more moisture and the atmospher:ic humidity is
also generally high. At that time, the problem is not of leaf moisture preservation, but that
of removing excess moisture present. The leaves harvested during rains normally keep
well without withering much. Besides, they may also be wet and physically carrying
droplets of rain water. Therefore, such leaves should be spread out thinly on the floor
to drive out the excess moisture present on the surface of leaves and later heaped or
stored in leaf bins. Sprinkling water for preservation may not be found necessary.

It may be found a convenient practice to pluck or harvest leaves twice a day.

The first harvest should be made early in the morning and used to give the second
feeding of the day, after the morning cieaning of the beds and again, the next one or
two feeds in the afternoon. The second harvest of leaves should be made towards the
evening and used for giving the
'right feed and also the early morning feed, the next
day. Under this practice the leaves can be properly preserved and utilised.

v) Spacing of wornns in the beds:

This is another important aspect to which great care and attention should be
given' Till recently, the traditional practice has been to rear the worms very
much
crowded and this does not permit of free and complete growth of the worms. Despite
all the care given to feeding of the worms by providing adequate quantities of leaves
in repeated feedings ete., crowded conditions lead lo under-nourishment and uneven
development of the worms in the bed. The worms attain only restricted growth and
become weak and easily susceptible to disease and other adverse factors. This results
in comparatively poorer harvests and reduced average cocoon weight. According to the
traditional practiee, the worms from 100 disease lree layings when fully mature are
reared in about 10-12 bamboo circular trays of 4-4112'diameter and this spacing
is far
too inadequate. For obtaining best results of growth of worms, the following spacing
should be adopted for the different instars in their various stages of development.
The
spacing indicated below is for 100 disease free layings with an average
of 400 eggs
ae' laying.

7
 Schedule of Spacing (A)

Age ot Area requrred for rearing lncrease in

worms spacing during
To begin At the each instar
with end

1st lnstar 4 sq. ft. 14 sq. ft. 3 1/, times

2nd 15 " 45 3"
3rd 45 90 2"
4th 90" 180 2"
5th 180 " 360 2"
The above in terms of bamboo trays may be stated as follows:

Schedute of Spacing (B)

Trays of 31/j diameter Trays of 4' diameter Trays of 41l] diameter

Age ol worms Trays Area of seat Trays Area of seat Trays Area of seat
in each tray in each tray in each tray
lst lnstar
Brush in: 2 11lr'x 11lr' 2 1112'x 1112 1 2'x 2'
lncrease to: 2 21 l"'x 3' 2 2112'x J' 1 31l"'x 4'
(or to fill
almost the
entire tray)
2nd lnstar
lncrease from: 21 lr'x 3' 2'x 31 12
(or to fiil
almost the
entire tray)
to: 5 3'x33/4'

3rd lnstdr
lncrease from: 5 Full Tray 4 3'x 33/'o
to: 10 8 Full Tray

4th lnstar
lncrease from: 10 I 6
to: 20 15 12

5th lnstar
lncrease from: 20 15 ',:,
12
,:,
to: 40 30 25

8
 The spacing as indicated above allows for maximum growth of worms and the
worms in the bed also get proper aeration and plentiful supply of leaf feed (Figure-2).
They grow vigorously attaining a weight of 4 to 5 Ems. each and can resist disease
and adverse climatic conditions. Further, correct spacing combined with the correct quantity
of leaf to be fed (as indicated later in this bulletin) for each of the instars will help in the
proper maintenance of rearing bed humidity and will lead to fuller utilisation of the leaf feed.

Figure 2_Spacing of Late Age Silkworms in the Rearing Bed.

A. Overcrowded with restricted worm growth
B. Optimum with maximum worm growth

As pointed out earlier, these norms of spacing, relate to layings where the
average number of eggs is roughly about 400 in a laying and will vary correspondingly
if the average number of eggs varies widely,.

Yi) Quantity of leaf to be fed :

lf the suggestions mentioned above are systematically followed, it will not be
necessary to give more than 4 to 5 feedings a day, whereas the traditional practice
has been to give 6 to I feedings a day. Again, according to the traditional practice,
in view of the fewer number of trays used in rearing and the r,esultant crowded rearings,
only about 400-500 kgs. of leaves are utilised to feed about 100 disease free layings.
This quantity is far too inadequate and does not permit of maximum growth of worms.
The reduced spacing and the consequent reduced leaf feed are mainly responsible for
the poor cocoon harvests in the case of traditional rearing practices. Therefore, correct
spacing and optimum quantity of leaf feed to be given, are vital factors to be kept in
mind.
ln thisconnection, experimental studies have established that the optimum
requirement of leal to rear 100 disease free layings (containing roughly 40,000 eggs)
will be as follows in the different instars:

Quantity of leaf to be fed

Age of the worm
fulultivoltine x New Bivoltine x Bivoltine
Bivoltine hybrid hybrid

1st instar 2- 2.5 Kgs. 2.5- 3 Kgs.

2nd instar 6- 7.0 8.0- I "
3/d instar 25- 30.0 35.0- 45 ';
4th instar 75- 85.0 105.0-125
Sth instar 600-62s.0 700.F725

Total 708-749.5 850.s-907

or say 700-750.0 850.0-900

Thus, it is seen that doubling of spacing under improved technique of rearing

also leads to increased consumption of leaves. These norms of leaf quantity to be used
for feeding may have to be adjusted according to the average number of eggs in the
layings, increasing the quantity when the number of eggs is more and reducing it when
it is less than 400, as in the case of spacing already referred to earlier.

Also slight deviation from the above norms will become inevitable according to
the prevailing seasonal conditions. During hot summer months, the leaves wither fast
and therefore, besides an extra feed that may be found necessary, slighfly increased
feeding ol leaves at every feed is desirable to build up necessary humidity in the bed.
This may lead to an increase in leaf consumption by about 25 to 30 per cent. On the
other hand, in the wet rainy season, the bed life of the leaf is longer and further, there
is need to reduce the bed humidity which builds up rapidly due to higher moisture
content in the leaves in that season. Therefore, the number of feeds to be given in a
day cottld be reduced to four and again the quantity to be fed at each feeding could
also be reduced. This will result in an overall reduction in the quantity of leaf to be fed
by about 2H25o/o.

10
 The recommendations made above in regard to spacing and quantity of leaf to
be used for feeding will avoid, to a large extent, the unhealthy practice ol-building up
rearing beds of Z'to 3" and over in thickness, which ,results from reduced spacing and
overfeeding, as followed in the case of traditional rearings. Such thick beds ma-y not
harm the rearings during hot and dry seasons as in summer,'but are highly detrimental
to rearing in other seasons, as they build up bed humidity beyond tolerance limit and
favour disease outbreak. Under the new technique recommended in this bulletin, the
bed thickness is never allowed to build up more than half to one inch. As the worms
grow in size and the leaf used for feeding also increases in quantity, the quantitatively
mounting leaf feed is spread more in the horizontal direction by increasing the area of
the rearing bed without allowing any significant increase in thickness. This helps to
keep the bed humidity under control and to dry the bed easily when required" These
are illustrated in the Figure-3.

,€$$ .
l:::-:u..:4 .

F*-:.*".,,
t\ ''q
-J,
rs, \" ${;:}
X
}!

Figure 3-Thickness of the Rearing Bed B

A. Traditional Method-2,, to 3,, thick bed-More Humidity-More wastage
of leaf
B' New Melhod-l"'thick bed-Humidity under control-- Better Utilisation
of Leat.

It is also a good practice, if the leaf bed in the tray is given a turning alter 2-3
hours of feeding so as to expose the leaves unconsumed by the worms, wnrcn
are still
lresh at the bottom, for feeding again. This will ensure more etfective utilisation
of the
leaf leed' Besides, during rainy season, it will help in driving out the excessive
moisture
building up in the bed.

11
 tn this it may be emphasised
rearing 1,", intonn"ction' that 1
s,. ; ff:',il ffi? ii il :il ii3*,,ti
a m a n,"
and quantitv fed shouio
o" r#lhat.they pr"u",i,f ilia-sl
fl
L 1'ii
JT]HT; f n
jtt il
witnering,urrJr reading ro
in
;!!.,T:"iJ?s,.iJl ii":^:il:,ru;.1 :?:-il"i ;,',0i,,
summed up bv saving
rainy
'" trai season, *ni"r, ravours
depends on proper r;ilil ;;tnr""
gement of the
rearing bed.
iil;;;"r,of rearins

is nortln'j' IJ* be seen that in the case of tropicar sericuJture, the rearing procedure
yea.t needs,n" L;:t[
n,,n jl;
needs ;i";;;. ?:tl"T, ;ffi J *
-sn"orio"'J"''froo"rry
Tr,":5ff
rnis Ji,T;,'"fi
"Hrff:ffiuent ":l fu'y
understooJ ano
vii) Moutting:
This is yet anothe r
very critical factor in
understood very ctearly. silkwor rearins that needs
mourtins behavLur
,n"'rr-"ffi' -:,ly-orT. ;:::ilj" to be
of rhe take intJ
mourting. - ,i,**"r#n"jJT,j.""o,"rr,"r:,fl
v"'!\"v"'|r dr., nandre them according ""rr,0"r",,"n rhe
to tne- neeos ot
The sitkwo moults four times.!|,':ln.
maximum gro*i;''T its rarval growrf phase.
After attaining the
jl'il'::$i?i'"Jili,ft .i;ff
$it,lx,:#il"[:ff
'#]r,xi::#,nft:,,*
llh" o;il;;n1:"t',T:T"1ilH#;y" il *" ln9tar, rt is thin and
ourini
dericare
n r ;ffi
ffi
go hours iil;
ii,' *;,
l ',1
r n a t o
: : :i !: #; :T":':T:,'J^ ::fi', l nU ;;"*.;i
o

;p:iJli fffi,f""il,"?J*fjUl#-t or rirst abour

24 hours. During tne mouiiin;';il;: and 'o,,iI"o
the worms do not
third r"r,,l',"i.L about
ln silkworm
ro,, that the worms
are made to mourr
a few"nr*ins;;;;::il'3;"XrliTilli"
worms have .l,r"o,"J*ffi5,-"rms show sisns of mourting anJtioon
unirormry
*, p","iii; ;"*. l,""1lit;1i,li:
" l, :T,,9
qe naio'"' ii ;;,ff H' ff"
" il1,:: ". ;
*"'E"i o"comes dry, ;titftH"f
i^fr{"i:,:,,'f#ito"';i;;;,"?1}qd#l.;lll;:ffi
so that the beds t"u_9,rv..or
:vorms wilt setfle. more and more
r e reo wii i ;,d" y shou,i u" 1o#",
:^{y"tor;T,:"#,,,:: m"':,g it;i:i,l|r, "o "
worm'
::nt;;1g s,et'e
fiilry:l#?"ff:
the.rirsr ^.-;;,f:"::Yi#:,il:l
.,n". ;;"'#|,ffin'TJ"jffiff'T:,,v settte-iriloor, ;:,;:
u-, hours rrom the time
reedins srrouro
::alo"r,
',oo worms
on tilr the moutted nb_iJ;"i:ff:i,*,j'1.,", imporrant ,o ,"r"rj"", ,n",
down. ;;;-;;'#:,:"H:,1o^rTt.h"ue
"vorms come out, simpry becausl'""r"* setiled ano noilarrieo
worms have not setred

12
 While the worms are in moult, they should not be disturbed at all. Some people
do the cleaning after part of the worms have already settled which is not correct: ln
fact, moulting time should be anticipated and the cleaning etc. carried out in time prior
to the moulting. Again, the worms in moult should not be transported, from place to
place over distances. "chawki" worms should always be transported when they are in
the active feeding stage and in cool hours of the day. During moulting, the rearing
rooms should be kept fully ventilated so that drying of rearing beds is facilitated.

Resumption of feeding should be done only alter more than 90 per cent of the
worms have come out of moult. As in the case of settling, most of the worms (over
90%) come out of moult within six to eight hours from the time the early moulted worms
appear in the bed. After the worms have come out, they become active once again and
are restive, hankering for food. At that time, they should be fed with fresh leaves over
cleaning nets. Quite often, when moulting is prolonged due to irregular setling,
resulting from non-observance of correct methods, the resuming feed is also delayed
very much, so that all the worms may come out. ln this process, majority ol the worms
which have come out already are denied their timely leed for the sake of a very small
number of worms still to come out, resulting in most of the moulted worms being
starved. This should be strictly avoided.

It is likely that some of the unmoulted worms also come up alongwith the
resumption of leed for the next instar. Such worms should be systematically picked and
rejected during the course of one or two feedings following the first net cleaning.

The freshly moulted silkworm is slow in eating and therefore, the first feed should
be small and should contain chopped leaves of slightiy tender quality. Aftei two to three
feeds, the worms start eating wel[, as they grow more and more in size. According to
these habits, leaf feeds should also be regulated-feeding smaller quantities
immediately after moulting and gradually raising it,as the eating rate increases.

viii) Growth of Silkworms:

Silkworms show fantastic rate of growth, gaining in weight about 10,000 times
between hatching and final spinning of cocoons in a matter ol about 24 to 25 days.
The spacing of the rearing bed as well as the quantity of feeds given will have to be
regulated to allow for this fast rate of growth, which will ensure full development of the
larva throughout its larval period-right from the lirst instar to the fifth instar. The worm
would then show about maximum growth, attaining a weight of 4 to 5 gms. Such worms
will be healthy and will not fall easy prey to diseases. Further, they will produce
cocoons ol 1'75 to 2.0 gms and above in weight.

13
 under the ideal conditions required
for best growth of silkworms
development takes prace over
24 t;-;; days as indicated berow: , the larval
Hatching
- 1st instar 3 to 3rlz days 1st moult
2nd instar 21h to S days - 2nd moult - 20 hours.
3rd instar g to 31/a days - 3rd moult - 24 hours.
4th instar t - - 24 hours.
5th instar ; ,t:;''::il:
4th moult
*- spinning - 30 hours.
Totat 23_26 days.
Average 24_25 days.
There may be slight variations
in the duration
-lrign-ri, of different instars depending on
the prevairing weathei conoitions,
o"ing
"'oro,onn"o
temperature is rower. Even in
cotd weatner, if the roor.
when atmospheric
temperature required, the worm warmed upto the optimum
witt-unaergo ,out, ur-"r" the
above' indicating that maximum growth ier schedure indicated
is taling pr"." Svery instar during its rarvar
life' lnspite of the warmer weather,
"t
if there is cllay in moulting, it would indicate that
the rate of growth of the worm is
siower, whicrr may resun rrom
starvation that may be taking ptace underfeeding or
oue to overcrowoing of the worms
drying fast and not being avairaore or the leaf feed
as feed for tn" between any two
feedings' starvation o.r underfeeding
of worms reads to"-ntir"'period
pooi growth and weakening
the worms' which will ultimaterv ot
period during these differert
nJ"orl easiry .rr."piiot" to diseases. rf the rarvar
instars-J"ir proronged, it is a
not well with the rearing' Therefore, crear indication that a, is
]i lnouro ol tn" to see
11 to ri'o"v', *;;"d;"#ffiooo "no!"uou, hearth that the first
$:ilTi"fi""n:,"'j#"in and visorous

III. IMPROVED TECHNIQUE

,no,roBffT;l:T#?;.:;:::,i"J,:l*s, the improved rechnique of sirkworm

rearing

i) Disinfection:

The rearing house as wet as the appriances

rott"fn prior to'"o*"n""]r,ent inof rearing
invariably disinfected with 2% used shourd be
will be possible only when ttete every rearing. This
larger rearings, one after the
i" no overrapping in .e"ring. lt is advisable
other, ,"in", than'haiing ,-ii to take
another' Disinfection will prevent p"Jli" ,.""rings oVerrapping one
disease inte-cttnlrom the previous
crops through the sou.r:e of rearing sirkworm
oeJris present ir in" ,""ri"g
appliances, For effective disinfectio;-il" house and the rearing
rearing nouse snturd be made
air-tight as far
14
as possible and with the rearing appliances kept inslde, the walls, windows, doors and.
the appliances should be sprayed wilh 2% formalin solution at the rate of 7-8 litres per
100 sq. metre and the doors closed immediately. After aboul 24 hours of disinfection,
the doors and windows should be opened and the rearing house completely aerated
atleast 24 hours before the commencemenl of brushing. lf the rearing has suffered due
to disease in the previous crop, the disinfection should be carried out.with a higher
concentration upto 4%o tor atleast 48 hours. ln the case ol the dwelling house, where
in a part of the house silkworm rearing is carried out, the space and appliances used
for rearing should be disinfected by spraying with a solution of formalin al4o/o.lf, there
had been anoccurrence of disease in the previous crop, a second spraying may also be
given after a gap of 2-3 days, to ensure proper disinfection of the rearing space and
appliances.

' The formalin used should be strong, which is normally available as 4OY" strong
solution in the market. lf the formalin is not kept in suitable containers properly sealed,
the formaldehyde gas will escape and the solution will fall in strength. 2% solution is
prepared by diluting one part ol 40% strong formalin with 19 parts of water.

ii) Quality of Eggs, lncubation and Hatching:

ln addition to the suggestions made here regarding the rearing practices, it is

also important that good quality eggs are secured from reliable sources so that good
cocoon harvest could be reaped. Further, in order to facilitate easy and systematic
rearing it is desirable that over 90% to 95% hatching at a time is achieved while
brushing. Quality eggs from Government sources or grainages should be transported
with due care, i.e., without exposing them to adverse climatic conditions, particularly
high temperature and low humidity.

Later, they should be incubated at a cool place by spreading out the egg cards
on trays in single layers and covering them with paper. lf the atmospheric relative
humidity is below 70To, lhe humidity should be raised by placing wet foam rubber
bands allround the egg sheets in the tray. The ideal temperature and humidity
conditions lor egg incubation should be around 25"C and 80% respectively. lt is
particularly important to see that the relative humidity of incubation is kept around 80%
so as to avoid possible desiccation of the eggs.

Under the ideal temperature and humidity, the development of the ernbryo takes
place steadily and uniformly. Even under fluctuating temperature, within reasonable
range between 23eC and 28"C, the development of the embryo will be uniform and
satisfactory. However, in order to get uniform hatching at the time ol brushing
operations, it is useful to put them in a dark atmosphere in a blackened box, roughly
about 24 to 48 hours before the expected time of hatching, as indicated by the pin head
stage ol embryo development or the blueing of the egg. This will enable practically all
the developing embroys to attain full and uniform growth without hatching. These black

15
 boxed eggs, when exposed
suddenly to bright right between g
day of hatching, wit ensure
o*r -n"rcning-, a.m. and 9 a.m. on the
6o to. g57: about one to two hours.
lmmediatery after hatching,
tre ;"; shourd be fed Jnj nrurn"d
tray' ln this connection,it must on to the rearing
ue siresseo that the *o* shourd
unduly long periods' which
witt resutiin the worms g;,ri,.,g'*L"kened
not be starved for
due to starvation.
iii) Rearing of young Age Silkworrns:
The succest^-o-1"i'lyorm rearing
rearing of young worms'-The young dengnls to a rarge extent on
the
taivq or the sirkworrn's shows vigoroussuccessfur
a temperature around 27"c and i -oi-eo growth at
ecorogicar conditions, they
.etatiue humidi! to g0%. Under these
comptete- their growt, 'in
vigorously growing worms
are healthier and mtre resistant
ln" minimum period. such
and dis'ease in the late ages,
the;;; ensuring success oftotheadverse climatic factors
cocoon crop.
Therefore, the rearing of
the young sirkworms must be carried
the time of brushing, suitabre tenier out dirigenfly. At
reaves shourd be chopped
squares and sprinkred over into 0.5 to 1 cm.
the egg sheet of the hatching
crawied on to the reaves they *-or,"nr. After the worms have
shourd be genry orushJo on
rearing the young age worms. to the tray prepared for
rn order to prevent orving
rearing of the first two instars oi ,r," chopped reives, the
should be conducted in beiween
lf the atmospheric temperature is paraffin paper sheets.
high and. the numioity isiow,
to even provide wet paper or it may be necessary
foam roo", bands attrouno
the paraffin sheets as shown in" l,""ring bed in between
in figu;e-a.

As an additional precaution to prevent

piled up one over the drying ot cut leaves, the trays
other to a convenient height (upto could be
Figure-5. 10_15 trays) as shown in

rf, however, the rerative humidity

is over go_g5%, as it wourd
rains, and if the reaves happen be during heavy
to nave excess moisture, it may
away with the wet paper or foam be necessary to do
rubber bands
para,in paper at the bottom to the removar of the
of ths iearing oeo."no "u"n'resort
The intention ln these manipulations is to ensure
not ailowed to dry more 1l
than tne opiiiiium r"qrir"i
that the rearing beds are
the health of the young age worms. i" ,","",n too moist as to hampe,
",'
Experience has ,no*n that it is in this important
is not beins siven rhi; mainry
::Tff:li":i,ti:l :ig::;*ntion reads to probrems

During the first three instars,

that have reached normal care should be taken to start
size 1i.e"top-most fuil oro*n ie"tl'lnd
with tender reaves
in colour, for feeding. the newry somewhat dark green
natch'eo worms. As the young
grow' more mature reaves age worms continue to
shourd be ieo to them. Th"
si;" of the chopped reaves
16
 Figure 4-fiearing of young age worms between paraffin papers-provided
with foam rubber bands allround the rearing bed.

should also gradually increase from 0'5-1 cm. to 6 cm. squares

by the time they reach
the end of the third age. When a feed is due, the paraffin paper covering
the rearing
bed should be removed atleast half an hour before the actual feeding
in"t uneaten
leaves, alongwith the rearing bed itself, may completely dry before "o
the fresh feed is
given' lmmediately after giving the chopped leaf, ihe rearing
bed should be covered
with the paraffin paper. Under our climatic conditions it is found that
during wet weather
the wilting of the leaves takes a longer time due to the high humidity.
According to the
climatic changes, we need to manipulate the rearing operations to
ensure that the
leaves do not dry quickly in dry periods and do not remain over-moist
for unduly long
periods during rainy seasons.

17
 ':":*3.e

Figure 5 -piling up
of the chawki rearing
,"^.:11*l' trays-an additional precaution
prevent drying of cut to
leaves.

:^:::Jl,l Tl,:":l^ii!,."#,:",?::, 'ff.""*''":;,.,lT,,u1nn ,,x 3, and 21,* _ s.

measurement from hatching lrushed in a tray of
,itt in"'J""ono moult. this
The first aoe worms
settle for mouJt,within
tnev wiii;r;;;'#- 3 - 91/zd"y.:."nd. in
anorher 20 hours
ffilrl]
20-24 nor,. oi
IrX; ff
!|;""0
ase is n"r""Ji,,,n in 21/,_
er the third age. 3 days and arter

The third ao
bamboo "oll::* are removed to round
""'. i'ff:[: l# ;Iffi,;::"iri
and for rhis,the sitkworms;";;;",,;:,,,,:,T,::11, T:y,,
bed shoutd oe srisr,ity
w th o ut t-;;;,;;;:'ff :ffii,;":: i1t^11" rower,

Hry{Ii;i.l n :::::[
""
paper pads.'rhe
third.age *,t, Lo""? T
n..s,t,oay" to'slt-tre for ?;,,"#"ffi
the third mourt and in
;:l
,tr ,1?d [: i:L,'1ilt$J::x ;nl?l''kn"";"":ilf. tne totai ir,,i"Ji"n
",,",,
18
 The number of feeds to be given during the young age is three to four between
6 a.m. and 9 p.m. which may be at 6 a.m., 1 p.m., and I p.m. or at 6 a.m., 11 a.m.,
3 p.m:, and 8 p.m. during the summer mdntlrs. Bed cleaning will have to be done once
in the first age prior to settling for mouliing, twice during the second stage, l.e. first
after first two feeds, and again prior to settling for second moult, and three times in
case of third age worms, i.e. once after two feedings after moulting, second after two
days and third just prior to settling for third moult. These operations can tre summarised
as shown in the table below:

Rearing Schedule of Young Age Silkworms

(For 100 Disease free layings)

Age of Temperature Humidig Size ol Leaves Total quantity No. ol No. ol Spacing (Reaing
Silkworm "C % (cms.) of leaf (kgs.) feeds/day cleaning/ seat for 100 dfls)
instar (sq.tt.)

lmproved Multivoltine Hybrids

I 27 80-90 0'5 to 2'O 2 lo 2.5 3to4 1 4lo 14
lt 27 80-90 2.0 to 4.0 6 to 7.0 3to4 2 15 to 45
ilt 26 80 4.0 to 6.0 25 to 30 4to5 3 45 to 90

Bivoltine Hybrids
I 27 80-90 0.5 to 2.0 2.5 to 3 3to4 1 4lo 14
il 27 80-90 2.0 to 4.0 B to9 3to4 2 15 to 45
ilt 26 80 4.0 to 6.0 35 to 45 4to5 3 45 to 90

(iv) Rearing of Late Age Silkworms:

The fourth and fifth instars of the silkworms are somewhat more delicate and
therefore, need more rigid conditions of temperature,and humidity. They normally thrive
well under comparatively lower temperature and are sensitive to high temperature and
humidity conditions. Under high humidity conditions as in rainy days, more ventilation
and greater spacing should be resorted to, and all care should be taken not to over
feed the worms, as it wor.rld lead to bed thickening resulting in wet beds. lt may also
be found advisable to chop the leaves during the rainy days, although under normal
conditions, the entire leal could be fed to the foufth and fifth age worms. For these late
age worms, more mature leaves which contain less of moisture in them should be
given. As alrearJy mentioned earlier, during dry days all attention must be focussed on
the proper preservation of leaves, as the health of the worms depends very much on
the quality and quantity of leaves consumed. lf the leaf is not sufficiently fresh, its
edible quality is reduced and the worms tend to go under starvation inspite of the
presence of leaves in the trays.

19
 The late doe wormc nr {^,._ru

amount{ il; - :jili ;: i"#',^;Jj jj} il::il:,::"J::t .,l13r"illr":**f

:1",, or T,
reed shourd
s tas es s
ree d i n s co n s u m in

si;;;;,,nil ,*" ;n;. ?*";l|il:

b"

diliilf""",":i::.Ty,':i'.'":fl::;;,"-
advisabre to a
*,";"';: il,' and e p
2 p'm',6 p.m. and 10 m and durins
raiiry,;,;"1;;l;;;il;i p.'. li*lrro
sive o"

When the worr

il:"J::trJril:'_T"#*?,H##,;l*ffi:ff ffi1il j";:ffi T:i:jil:

Rearing Schedule of
Late Age Silkworms
(For 100 Disease rr""
[Ving;)-'',

Age of Temperature Humidity Size of Leaves

Silkworm il Total quantity
(cms.) No. ol No. ol
of leaf (kgs.) Spacing (Rearing
feeds/day
cleaningi seat tor 100 dfls)
lmproved lluttivottine instar (sq ft )
Hybrid!

lV Atmospheric T}_ts
Entire leaf
/c-t5
Temperature
4-5 once in the
90-180
morning

v,,70 Entire leaf or branches

daity

600-625
Bivoltine Hybrids
4_S Daity

7o-75 Entire leal

1 05-125
4-5 Once in the 90_180
morning
daily.
Entire leaf or branches
700-725
Daily 180-360

Note: Ensure circulation of

air if too warm and
humid

20
v) Mounting:

On the completion ol full 6 or 7 days after passing the fourth moult, the worms
will cease feecling and become ripe for rnounting. Ripe woi'ms should be picked in time
so that all the maturing worms are enableel to spin gocoons successfully. Worms not
picked in time or unduly delayed in picking can also be mistaken for diseased worms.
Similarly, worms picked much before ripening, may not also spin resulting in
unnecessary crcp losses at the last slage of rearings. Therefore, it is important that
maturing worms as they show signs of maturity (from the transluscent body colour and
the active raising of heads by the ripe worms) should be picked in time and mounted
to get full benefits of successful rearings.

Under the improved methods of rearing suggested here, the worms will grow
uniformly and therefore, will also mount unifcrmly completing mounting vrithin the
shortest possible time. Majority of the worms will mount in 24 hours and the total time
taken for all the worms to mount will not exceed 2 clays.

Figure-6
-Density of Mounlrng

A. Overcrowded B. Normal
(leading to double cocoon formalion) (40-45 cocoons per sq. ft.)

21
 Mounting of worms on the
chandrikes is another ver\
surricient attention shourd
o" p"io. nioJryil
,,Xi"oo"n ro facititate u1!i'ilr!."J
,;;;;"; #:',TT:1iH,",,,:Lf ,.'ff:
il"fr,::":i,[ .or",rg.,rh" ,.ip" worms must be
oe avoided rnll,,it-;ll ffi::: rt , so that r"ormation or doubi"
llv rises srsniricianuy'rni.
!i' 'o "oioon.
":"?:n. in higher *iir ;,*..*#"'i,1,
ffi:',,.]"t
renditta for the i"t.
'n, ;X;,.lli nm:nir;l:Jyj
.onr"qu""#, "th" pri." fetched
" wi, be
vi) Harvest:
spinning of cocoons by the
thereafter' the spun worms worms takes prace over
tuin into pupae by the'next two or three days and
that the cocoon harvest day. Therefore, it is important
is oer"v"o'iir tne_sixtn
reckoning from the tast o"u i"., compretion or tutt five days
day ot n,orniing ay tnis
into pupae and the irm"l "rrer worms woutd
",iin" have formed
"o"oon "nJi *irr arso have JriJo ,rtti"ienily to stand we, the
f;::?i:",ir":::T'J1"3:ffi;j;;btn",*i.", il; ffi run the risk or beins crushed
consequenrv to rower p,i""
in the cord wearher the
ro,, ii;
ii:Jdi:;t,i"""fl::-"",,:iliiiJ
harvesting- rnorro
gjlii:1y il:
n, o"r"v"o-ilnn",, by a day more.
vii) Mortality due to Diseases:
ln silkworm rearing, disease afflictions
be deart with separaterv in another are rather s
diseases,
iuretin of ,n" i"r,,,r,l:'ffi_X[r:Tr.:iff:ril,J
it courd be stated g"r"i3r
of the diseases than trying"r,o" rure that ,r,, to prevent the occurrence
""ri",.
should be made to prevent ""*"-,n"r of*n"n
the occurrence
Therefore,
"il;;rr.ntt tn" measuresevery
the disease.
effort
distusseo
J,frnJ;ltfl:jff yiffi;?,:":'::;us state or hearth wir
so a rons way in armost

viii) Cocoon yietd:

The improved technique

discusse-d, here wit
being obtained in the region ensure optimum cocoon
Bivoltine cross and as-s-o "t
oo-t"
rgr, on
os kgs. on ;.-;;;g", for the Mysoreharvestsx New
disease free layings reared' for the New Bivortine hybrids
""n "u"run"
ln this connection, it shourd for 100
cond*ions infruence the
crop vi"ro1 Jonriderabry,;"1il
iJ'r"r"roered that seasonar
higher in favourable winter rli", in adverse summer and
u"".oni *-n,.n ir.orron'io']u,,,n0.
it is possibre to obtain about
go upto 50-55 kgs 3i ," oo kgs. in .r;;; ii,," ,n"of hybrids. However,
. ?n
an average by adopting ,n"-irpr*ed same in winter wi'
words, thq overa' yietd techniques. rn other
over,n" v"ir."n o" ,i"ppl"o
,p i"lir" figures indicated above.
ln the case of rainfed
mulberry, the yields will
same ir wir be in the resion be comparatively lower,
or so-;di.gr. io,. r;;;;;;."";rJ, but all the
r"yins, on an averase.
22
 IV. ADVANTAGES
A comparison of the improved technique of rearing with the conventional method
of rearing will show clearly that under the improved technique, the leaf produced is
most etficiently utilised since the leaf cocoon ratio works out to be 15-20:1 as against
2O-25:1 or even more in the case of conventional method of rearing. Further, for
producing the same quantity of cocoon crop, the seed required is just half. Also the
cocoon produced is of such superior quality that a premium price of 30 to 50 per cent
more can be easily obtained in the cocoon markets for the cocoons obtained in the
improved technique of rearing. Thus, the new technique helps the sericulturists to
obtain both higher yields as well as higher prices for the cocoons produced.

It may also be mentioned in this connection that the sericulturists used to lose
on an average one crop out of every three or four crops and crop failures are regular
features under the conventional method of rearing, whereas in the case ol improved
technique, the crop failures are very rare and almost completely el-iminated. Even if
lhere were to be any disease infection, it does not result in the total loss of the crop
and to a larEe extent the crop is saved. The crop is generally successful and the
effective rate of rearing reaches 70-80% and above, and this mainly accounts for
bumper harvests.

Thus, it may be seen that the adoption o{ the improved technique ol rearing as
recommended by the lnstitute is an essential step in sericulture practice which would
ensure sustained production of bumper crops.

to(

23