SILKWORM

Silkworms are fascinating insects known for their pivotal role in silk production. Bombyx mori, the scientific name of silkworms, Silk, a beautiful natural fiber, has been used since ancient times. Sericulture involves large-scale silkworm rearing in controlled conditions, resulting in high-quality silk threads.

1. SILKWORM
Professor: Abdimadiyeva A
Prepared by: : Mohammad Hassan Hassand
27- 10- 2023

2. https://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2017/vol5issue5/PartV/5-5-194-111.pdf

3. Silkworm
Silkworms are fascinating
insects known for their
pivotal role in silk
production. Bombyx mori,
the scientific name of
silkworms, Silk, a beautiful
natural fiber, has been used
since ancient times.
Sericulture involves large-
scale silkworm rearing in
controlled conditions,
resulting in high-quality
silk threads.

4. Characteristics of Silk
•Silk is composed of 80% of fibroin, which is a protein
substance and 20% of sericin, which is a silk gum.
•Silk is a strong natural fibre possessing good tensile
strength. This strength comes from the continuous length
of the fibre.
•Silk have moderate resistance to wrinkling and is able to
retain its shape through ironing.
•Silk have good absorbency which makes it comfortable
apparel for warmer atmosphere. Silk apparels are
comfortable in the summer season and warm in the winter
season.
•Silk has good affinity for dyes.
https://www.samyakk.com/blog/characteristics-and-uses-of-silk/

5. 1
Silk Production
2
Quality and Versatility
3
Cultural and Economic Importance
4
Employment and Trade
5
Scientific and Technological Research
Their importance in silk production

8. silkworm species

9. Process of SericultureDescription
Mulberry Cultivation
- Cultivation of mulberry trees (typically Morus alba) to provide leaves as the primary food source
for silkworms.
- Mulberry leaves must be grown in a suitable climate and soil conditions, and they should be free
from pesticides or toxins.
Feeding the Silkworms- Silkworm eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) which are fed fresh mulberry leaves.
- Larvae go through several molting stages and increase in size during this phase by consuming
mulberry leaves.
Cocoon Spinning
- When the silkworms reach maturity, they start spinning cocoons as a protective enclosure for
their pupal stage.
- Silkworms secrete a viscous fluid that hardens into silk threads when exposed to air, and they
wrap these threads around themselves.
- The spinning process typically lasts for about 2-3 days.
Silk Harvesting
- The harvested cocoons are carefully boiled or steamed to soften the sericin (a protein that holds
the silk threads together).
- After boiling, the softened cocoons are unwound to obtain the raw silk threads.
- These silk threads can be processed and woven into various silk products such as fabric, clothing,
and textiles.
Silk Production

10. Silkworms, primarily
Bombyx mori, produce
silk through specialized
glands that secrete
fibroin, a protein that
hardens into silk when
exposed to air,
particularly during the
cocoon-spinning stage of
their life cycle.
The seven types of native silk glands and threads from spider of Araneus diadematus: dragline/major
ampullate silk (red), minor ampullate silk (purple), flagelliform silk (green), aggregate silk (blue),
cylindriform silk (brown), aciniform silk (yellow), and pyriform silk (orange). Adapted with permission.
[37] Copyright 2000, Elsevier.
Silkworm Behavior and Physiology

11. Factors Affecting SilkwormsDescription
Diseases
- Silkworms are susceptible to various diseases, including
bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- Common diseases include Flacherie, Pebrine, and
Grasserie. These diseases can significantly reduce the
silkworm population and silk production.
Parasites
- Silkworms can be affected by parasitic organisms, such as
parasitoid wasps and mites. Parasitoids lay their eggs on or
in silkworms, leading to larval death.
- Parasitic mites can feed on silkworm larvae, causing
damage and mortality.
Environmental Factors
- Temperature, humidity, and ventilation play critical roles in
silkworm health. Sudden temperature fluctuations can stress
the larvae.
- Inadequate ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon
dioxide and moisture, promoting disease and death.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/silkworm-
disease#:~:text=Indeed%2C%20reproduction%20demands%20human%20interference,bacteria%2C%20viruses
%2C%20and%20fungi.
diseases, parasites, and environmental factors affecting silkworms.

12. Silk and Its Uses
Silk is extensively used
for the making of
various home décor
furnishings
engendering a lustrous,
elegant and beautiful
result.
Woven silk fibre is
sometimes used
for the
construction of
bicycle tires and
parachutes.
Silk is mainly used in
the manufacture of
clothing such as
shirts, trousers, ties,
dresses and sarees.
https://www.samyakk.com/blog/characteristics-and-uses-of-silk/

13. Modern silk production
incorporates advances in
silkworm farming, such as
selective breeding, automation,
and eco-friendly techniques, to
enhance productivity and
minimize environmental impact.
Sustainable practices, like
integrated pest management and
ethical treatment of silkworms,
are gaining importance in the
industry, reflecting a growing
commitment to eco-conscious
and ethical silk production.
file:///C:/Users/ALHOTAKI%20COMPUTERS/Downloads/46_266_271_Advanced__FARINA__ADVANCEM
ENTS+IN+SILK+DEVELOPMENT+OF+MANAGEMENT %20(2).pdf
Modern Sericulture

14. References
.
1.https://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2017/vol5issue5/PartV/5-5-194-111.pdf
2.https://www.samyakk.com/blog/characteristics-and-uses-of-silk/
3.https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/diagram-showing-life-cycle-
silkworm-vector-37692293
4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/silkworm-
disease#:~:text=Indeed%2C%20reproduction%20demands%20human%20interferenc
e,bacteria%2C%20viruses%2C%20and%20fungi.
5.https://www.samyakk.com/blog/characteristics-and-uses-of-silk/
6.file:///C:/Users/ALHOTAKI%20COMPUTERS/Downloads/46_266_271_Advanced__F
ARINA__ADVANCEMENTS+IN+SILK+DEVELOPMENT+OF+MANAGEMENT%20(2).pdf

15. THANK YOU