Agriculture & Horticulture

Biography

Biography: S Chandrashekhar

Abstract

Apart from the marvelous mulberry silk, which is quite popular the world over, there are few other varieties that are equally attractive. Among them, eri silk is becoming popular in recent years. Castor, a minor oilseed crop can be linked with eariculture to maximize the returns if right choice of castor genotype is made. Keeping this in view, castor can be exploited both for castor seed and leaf production which inturn helps in eri cocoon production. Th e study revealed that, high gross returns were realized by rearing eri silkworms on leaves of DCS-85 (Rs.30,584/ha). Th e genotypes 48-1 (Rs.21,636), DCH-32 (Rs.19,594) and DCS-9 (Rs.19,340) were found next best and the least with Local genotype (Rs.17,613). Net profi t was more with DCS-85 (Rs.16,534/ ha), However, it was less with Local genotype (Rs.4,643). Signifi cant variation in B:C ratio was observed among selected castor genotypes when they were used for both castor seed and eri cocoon production. B:C ratio was more with DCS-85 (1.777:1) followed by that in respect of 48-1 (0.578:1), DCH-32 (0.468:1), DCS-9 (0.421:1), DCH-177 (0.391:1) and Kranti (0.372:1). However, B:C ratio was least with Local genotype (0.358:1). Th us it is inferred that, castor genotype DCS-85 can be raised under rainfed condition for seed production and ericulture (at 50% defoliation) to earn more gross return (Rs. 30,584 / ha), net profi t (Rs. 16,534 / ha) and B:C ratio (1.777:1). Hence, DCS-85 genotype could be used with cost eff ectiveness for dual purpose of castor seed and eri cocoon production under rainfed situation.