SERICUL TURE AND THE PROCESS OF CHANGE - Institute for ...

Free Layings' (DFLst At the appropriate time, the layings are procured
and kept at home to complete the process of incubation 7 and get ready
for hatching. Meanwhile, a few days before the actual hatching of the
layings, preparations are carried out for accommodating and rearing of
the hatched worms. The rearing trays and the shed are cleaned and
disinfected. Hatching generally takes place on the tenth day, from the
date of its laying. Uniform hatching ensures a better crop. So, the rearers
are expected to be shrewd enough to identify the time of hatching and
provide appropriate conditions, including appropriate temperature and
humidity. When hatched, the tiny worms are fed with leaves chopped
into tiny bits. Later, the worms are brushed into trays, preferably
wooden ones, providing with adequate spacing for the worms.
In the process of growth, the worms pass through five stages that
are known as 'instars' before they reach the stage of spinning their
cocoons and maturing into pupae. After each instar, up to the fourth
stage, the worms undergo a period of respite during which they shed out
their skins. This process is known as 'moulting'S. During moulting, the
feeding is stopped. The sericulturists get the much needed rest during
these breaks. The time of moulting and its release has to be skillfully
gauged for better results. Preventive measures, suitable to the situations
are to be carried out to keep the worms safe from any possible attack of
6
The eggs, laid by a smgle silk-moth at a time, are called 'one laying'
7
IncubatJon normally takes about ten days
g
In local term, it is referred to as 'Kaacchal', which means 'fever'. 1bis
generally lasts for about twenty to twenty-four hours.
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