Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Mehreen Manzoor, Mushtaq Rasool Mir, Mohammad Farooq Baqual, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Shakeel Ahmad Mir and Shabir A Wani

Abstract:
Mulberry is the sole food to silkworm (Bombyx mori L) which produces silk. It is an important perennial crop grown primarily under rainfed conditions. Among many quality parameters, the moisture content in mulberry leaf and its retention for longer durations play an important role in the successful production of cocoons. In order to improve the moisture status of mulberry leaf, a study was conducted using 3 different antitranspirants (Kaolin, Phenyl mercuric acetate and Salicylic acid) with 3 different concentration on the mulberry genotype, Goshoerami, the most popular genotype in the region. Antitranspirants were sprayed on the plants after an interval of 15 days after 20^th April and 15^th July respectively during spring and autumn crops. Antitranspirants significantly influenced the moisture status of the mulberry leaf with the best effect through the use of Kaolin @ 0.25% which registered significantly higher values for moisture content and its retention capacity after 06 and 12 hours of harvest in both spring and autumn crops of silkworm rearing.