YOUNG AGE SILKWORM (CHAWKI) REARING Quiz

Explore essential practices and facts about young age silkworm (chawki) rearing including leaf selection, preservation, cleaning, and moulting care. Perfect for beginners in sericulture looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.

1. Optimal Tray Setup for Chawki Rearing

   What is the recommended tray size and number of dfls to brush and rear up to the second stage in young age silkworm rearing?

   1. 120 cm x 90 cm x 105 cm tray with 20 dfls
   2. 90 cm x 60 cm x 100 cm tray with 30 dfls
   3. 100 cm x 80 cm x 120 cm tray with 25 dfls
   4. 130 cm x 100 cm x 110 cm tray with 15 dfls

   Explanation: The correct tray size is 120 cm x 90 cm x 105 cm, and it is ideal for rearing 20 dfls up to the second stage. The other options suggest incorrect tray dimensions or improper numbers of dfls based on the recommended procedure.

2. Selecting Leaves for Feeding

   During young age silkworm rearing, which leaves should be selected and fed from brushing to the end of the second age?

   1. Middle leaves only, avoiding top and bottom
   2. Largest glossy leaves, 3rd or 4th from the top
   3. Any yellow or fallen leaves
   4. Bottom-most leaves, thick and mature

   Explanation: Leaves selected from the largest, glossy ones (3rd or 4th from the top) provide the required tenderness and nutrients. Bottom-most and yellow leaves are less nutritious or may be damaged, while choosing only middle leaves ignores the optimal tender leaf location.

3. Leaf Chopping Size for Second Age Larvae

   What is the ideal chopped leaf size to feed to young silkworms during the second age?

   1. 2 to 3 sq.cm.
   2. 0.5 to 1.0 sq.cm.
   3. Whole unchopped leaves
   4. 5 to 6 sq.cm.

   Explanation: Chopping leaves to 0.5 to 1.0 sq.cm. during the second age ensures easier feeding and digestion for the tiny larvae. Larger pieces, whole leaves, or not chopping at all makes it harder for young silkworms to eat effectively.

4. Leaf Preservation for Silkworm Feeding

   Which method best preserves harvested mulberry leaves to keep them suitable for silkworm feeding?

   1. Keeping leaves open on a dry shelf
   2. Leaving leaves in the sun
   3. Wrapping leaves in a wet gunny cloth
   4. Storing leaves in a sealed plastic bag

   Explanation: Wrapping leaves in a wet gunny cloth helps retain freshness and moisture, which is essential. Sun or dry shelf dries the leaves out; sealed plastic can promote spoilage; thus only the wet gunny cloth method ensures preservation.

5. Handling Hot and Dry Conditions

   If the climate is too hot and dry during chawki rearing, how should the leaves be preserved?

   1. Place in an airtight plastic box
   2. Dry leaves before storage
   3. Keep them uncovered to allow air circulation
   4. Store in a leaf chamber lined with wet gunny cloth, wetted regularly

   Explanation: A leaf chamber lined with wet gunny cloth and regularly wetted helps leaves retain moisture in hot, dry conditions. Airtight plastic or uncovered storage causes spoilage or drying, and drying leaves before storage is unsuitable.

6. Timely Cleaning of the Rearing Bed

   How many cleanings are typically given in the first and second age of young silkworms?

   1. One each in first and second age
   2. Two in first age, one in second age
   3. One in first age, two in second age
   4. Three in first age, none in second age

   Explanation: The rearing bed is cleaned once before moulting in the first age and twice in the second age. The other options misstate the cleaning schedule, which is designed to maintain hygiene and healthy growth.

7. Use of Nets During Cleaning

   Why is a net with 0.5 x 0.5 cm mesh placed over the rearing bed during cleaning?

   1. Only to provide warmth
   2. To mark sections of the bed
   3. To prevent worms from escaping
   4. So worms can crawl through to fresh leaves and be easily transferred

   Explanation: The fine mesh net allows worms to move to fresh leaves, enabling easy transfer and removal of waste. Preventing escape, warmth, or marking sections do not align with the net's cleaning function.

8. Care During Moulting

   What is an important care tip during the moulting stage of young silkworms?

   1. Make the rearing bed very wet
   2. Spray water directly on worms
   3. Avoid disturbing worms and stop feeding during moult
   4. Increase feeding frequency

   Explanation: Minimizing disturbance and pausing feeding are key for uniform moulting. Increasing feeding, spraying water on worms, or making the bed wet could harm the process and negatively affect growth.