Factors affecting on quality muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) seed crop production: A review

Abstract

Muga silk is the traditional heritage of Assam. Muga silk has a special status due to its natural golden yellow colour. Semi-domesticated muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) is multivoltine in nature and commercial rearing is conducted during spring and autumn seasons. The culturing of muga silkworm has its own problems and peculiarity. The success of sericultural crops mostly depends upon quality of seeds. On the other hand, good and healthy crop can only ensure quality seed production. Production of muga raw silk is not upto the mark in comparison to the other commercial silks of India. It is because, seed sector of muga silkworm is not properly organized till today. Therefore, required quality and quantity of muga seed is not available during the commercial rearing seasons. The factors responsible for the muga silkworm seed production are discussed in the present study.