Impact of Ant Infestation on Muga Silkworms: Insights from Farmer Observations

Rajkhowa, Abhigyan and Saikia, Monimala and Brahma, Dipankar and Sarma, Jugabrat and Bora, Nilav Ranjan and Saikia, Rimpi Rani (2024) Impact of Ant Infestation on Muga Silkworms: Insights from Farmer Observations. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 36 (8). pp. 766-772. ISSN 2320-7035

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Abstract

The present study investigates the incidence and infestation of ants, a ubiquitous predator in muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) rearing. A survey was conducted during August 2021 to July 22 across Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts of Assam, involving 120 respondents from 8 villages. The findings revealed 100% of ant infestation during muga silkworm rearing, by Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricus) emerging as the most frequently observed and predacious species, particularly targeting the early larval instars. The respondents reported peak ant predation during the Aherua (June-July) crop cycle, with an estimated 1-25% crop loss. This study highlights the need for developing effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of ant predation on muga silk production.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Afro Asian Archive > Agricultural and Food Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@afroasianarchive.com
Date Deposited: 12 Aug 2024 10:25
Last Modified: 12 Aug 2024 10:25
URI: http://info.stmdigitallibrary.com/id/eprint/1378

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