Diverse Tree Mulberry Geometry and Cultural Practices Adopted by the Farmer’s and its Optimization

Megharaja, Harishkumar J, Chaithra KC, Likhithgowda M and Manjunatha HB*

Department of Studies in Sericulture Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding Author: Manjunatha HB, Department of Studies in Sericulture Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

Received: May 03, 2021; Published: May 26, 2021

Abstract

  Currently, due to climate change, the paucity of water, and labor, farmers are navigating from bush system of mulberry cultivation to tree plantation regardless of standard and scientific recommendations. Keeping this transit in view, a systematic field visit based study was performed with personal interaction to explore knowledge level, skill, and scientific awareness of the farmers who were undertaking tree mulberry plantation and cultivation practices. Unexpectedly, while different spacing method ranging from 8' x 3' to 10' x 14' has been followed by the farmers, about 62.86% of farmers were adopted 10' x 10' spacing for tree plantation. Height of the stump and branches, and a number of branches per plant in the first year and ensuing years were also varying among farmers, which explicit remarkable diversity in it. Additionally, the number of disease free layings of silkworm brushed as against quantum of leaves available in the tree mulberry garden also differs. Notably, as opined by the farmers, the quality and yield of cocoons produced using the leaves of tree plantation were comparatively better than the mulberry leaves harvested from the bush type of plantation despite diverse tree mulberry geometry and cultivation practices are in vogue. Considering these limitations, we have established tree mulberry plantation with optimized plant geometry and evaluated its suitability. However, a systematic research is still offered to evolve appropriate technology for the long term and large scale tree mulberry cultivation with assured quality and sustained leaf and cocoon production.

Keywords: Mulberry; Cocoon; Seri-farmers; Tree Plantation; Water Scarcity

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Citation

Citation: Manjunatha HB., et al. “Diverse Tree Mulberry Geometry and Cultural Practices Adopted by the Farmer’s and its Optimization ". Acta Scientific Agriculture 5.6 (2021): 85-91.