Performance of bivoltine seed crop on graded level of nutrients in tree mulberry

Abstract

A study conducted in 2022 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Haradanahalli farm, Chamarajanagar, aimed to determine the optimal nutrient combination for maximizing silkworm seed yield in tree mulberry cultivation. Results indicated that silkworms reared on plants treated with 40 tons of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) per hectare annually, 125% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), and foliar spray of POSHAN exhibited superior performance, including a pupation rate of 97.80%, moth emergence percentage of 94.27%, fecundity of 641.61 eggs, and hatchability of 95.28%. This treatment regimen also resulted in the highest net returns (Rs. 3,31,542) and a favorable Benefit-to-Cost (B:C) ratio of 3.59. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored nutrient management practices in optimizing sericulture productivity and economic returns, offering valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the sericulture industry.