Explore key concepts in sericulture, the agricultural practice of silk production, with questions on silkworm species, host plants, and common processes.
Which species of silkworm is most commonly used for commercial silk production worldwide?
Explanation: Bombyx mori is the main species farmed for silk due to its domestication and reliable silk yields. Philosamia ricini, Antheraea mylitta, and Attacus atlas also produce silk, but they are less commonly farmed on a global scale.
Which plant is the preferred food source for the mulberry silkworm?
Explanation: Mulberry leaves are essential for Bombyx mori silkworms, supporting optimal growth and silk production. Castor is used for eri silkworms, oak for tasar silkworms, and sal is associated with muga silkworms.
After which developmental stage do silkworms typically spin their cocoon?
Explanation: Silkworms spin cocoons at the end of their larval stage before becoming pupae. Eggs hatch into larvae, which then spin cocoons; the pupa forms inside the cocoon, and the adult moth emerges last.
What is the process of unwinding silk filament from cocoons known as?
Explanation: Reeling is the correct term for extracting silk thread from the cocoon. Degumming removes sericin from silk, spinning refers to twisting fibers together, and mounting is preparing frames for larvae to spin cocoons.
What temperature range is typically ideal for rearing silkworms during their larval stage?
Explanation: Silkworms thrive at moderate temperatures between 24–28°C for healthy growth. 5–10°C and 10–15°C are too cold, while 35–40°C is too hot, leading to stress and higher mortality.