Research Article | Published: 01 June 2002

Studies on the differences in the loss of moisture from the harvested Som leaves

P. K. Singh, Babu Lal and P. K. Das

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1/2 | Page No. 37-42 | 2002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2002-BQ3YL6 | Cite this article

Abstract

Moisture content of the harvested Som leaves plays a vital role in successful indoor rearing of muga silkworm Antheraea assama. Considerable delay is noticed between harvesting of leaf and feeding to silkworm during Chotua (February to March) and Aherua (June-July) muga seed crops during indoor rearing. After harvest, the leaves lose their moisture gradually. The loss of moisture during 9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M. was determined in the 8 morphotypes of Som (Machilus bombycina). The loss of moisture was least (6.19%) in morphotype M (5) and maximum (24.75%) in M (1), in others it was 9.12% in M (2); 10.57% in M (3); 7.88% in M (4); 6.12% in M (6); 6.36% in M (8) and 7.04% in M (7). Hence M (5) morphotype is recommended for the use in indoor rearing of muga silkworm. Significant differences were also observed among these morphotypes with regard to the leaf area and stomatal numbers. The morpho-anatomical features of the leaf were found to influence the degree of loss of moisture from the leaves.

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How to cite

Singh, P.K., Lal, B. and Das, P.K., 2002. Studies on the differences in the loss of moisture from the harvested Som leaves. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 9(1/2), pp.37-42. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2002-BQ3YL6

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 June 2002

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