Tree Mulberry: The Future of Tropical Sericulture Farming

Abstract

Mulberry is cultivated under varied agro climatic conditions for silkworm rearing and cocoon production in India. In Southern zones of India Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu states were considered most traditional belts for Bivoltine sericulture. It was estimated that ¾^th of the countries raw silk will be generated in these 3 states only. Though since decades the mulberry raised as low bush plantation accommodating 5000 to 6000 plants/acre in the geometry of 3′×3′ and paired row spacing with [(2′×3′)×5′] in irrigated conditions. But since 2-3 decades a lot of changes in the environment are noticed. Irregular monsoons, unprecedented down pouring, curtailed annual rainfalls compelling the farming community to go for planting of reduced quantity of plants in wider spacing maintained with improved irrigation methods (AMITs) with sustained quality and quantity of mulberry leaf. To study the impact of drought stricken atmospheric conditions among the sericulture farming community the present study was aimed.