Vol. 8 No. 2
Studies on integrated nutrient management on leaf yield and quality of silk of mulberry (Morus alba L.) grown under rainfed situation
Author(s): M. K. SINGH, S. ROY CHOWDHURI, A. H. NAQV M. K. GHOSH AND B. B. BINDROO
Abstract: The experiment was carried out during the consecutive years of 2007 to 2009 under rainfed condition at Regional Sericultural Research Station, Ranchi, Jharkhand to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in mulberry plants. Mulberry garden was established with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculated saplings of S-1 variety under 90 cm × 90 cm plant spacing. Four INM combinations were tested against recommended package of practices for cultivation of mulberry and farmers\' practices. Leaf quality and suitability for silkworm rearing was assessed through bioassay. Maximum leaf yield of 7.71 mt ha-1 yr-1 with 20% increase over the existing recommended package was obtained under INM package i.e. 50% of recommended dose of nitrogen (150 kg ha-1 yr-1), full doses of phosphate and potash (i.e. 50 kg ha-1 yr-1) combined with biofertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum) @ 10 kg ha-1 yr-1 and vermicompost @ 10 mt ha-1 yr-1. The results of bioassay also showed superiority of INM practiced over the recommended packages. INM increased productivity of mulberry leaf and 20% additional silkworm layings was possible to rear by the farmers, improve their economic condition and silk production as well.
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