23 Kas 2024 Cumartesi
Effects of commonly used plant protection formulations on rearing and cocoon production of Muga Silkworm Antheraea assamensis Helfer
Abstract :Reports of large swathes of silkworms destroyed in Upper Assam by pesticides sprayedin nearby tea gardens were stated in numerous national and daily newspapers. Articles are being written and covered about the aggravated scenario of muga silk cultivation owing to the large scale applications of highly toxic chemical insecticides. For assessment of the loss, large scale survey was conducted in major muga growing as well as small tea growing areas of four districts of Upper Assam. It was observed that, spraying of insecticides in small as well as big tea gardens is generally done during April to September. Commonly used insecticides are Mitigate, Celeron, Profex, Rocket, Deltamethrin, Thiomethoxam, Propagite, Fenpyroxymet, Quinalphos, Phosalone, Ennova, Acetamiprid, Atom, Omite, Instant, Profex super and Profenofos. The effects of the chemicals at farmers’ fields rearing muga silkworms nearby tea gardens have been found to be up to a distance of 700 meters. For establishment of the toxic effects of the pesticides, laboratory study on the effect of commonly used insecticides of different groups on growth and development of Muga silkworm revealed that among the insecticides, Instant can kill Muga silkworm (5th stage) within 2 hours at a very low dose (0.001 %). Based on their toxicity level on muga silkworm growth and development, the insecticides have been categorized as low, medium and highly toxic. Sensitization of the Muga farmers, small tea growers, rice and vegetable growers to make aware the harmful effects of plant protection formulations is considered to be of utmost and urgent need of the hour for protection of the Muga silkworm, human as well as animal health, water and as a whole the whole ecosystem.
Plant protection formulations, toxicity levels, muga silkworm, small tea gardens