Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

The main aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of 0.5% Glutamic acid fortified leaf fed to CSR double hybrid larvae at field level in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh (HP). The field level experiment was conducted during autumn season (September-October) 2023 at J&K and HP. The autumn season is characterised with poor leaf quality due to attack of pests (Leaf webber), diseases (Powdery mildew and leaf spot), early leaf senescence along with fluctuating environmental conditions. The average cocoon yield during autumn season is 20-25 kg/ 100DFLs whereas in spring (May-June) 40-45 kg/100 DFLs. To overcome these conditions silkworm larvae were supplemented with 0.5% Glutamic acid during autumn season to improve the cocoon yields at farmer level. A total of 10 farmers as treatment and 02 farmers as control were selected at Pulwama & Shopian of Jammu & Kashmir and Ghumarwin of Himachal Pradesh. In both the test sites CSR double hybrid (FC2xFC1) was supplied to farmers from their respective state departments after chawki rearing and scientists of Central Silk Board provided 0.5% Glutamic acid to farmers and demonstrated the application method during 4th and 5th instar. In treatment, silkworm larvae were fed with 0.5% Glutamic acid once in a day during 4th and 5th instar whereas in control no application was recommended and normal silkworm rearing practices were followed. The average cocoon yield/ 100 DFLs recorded 40.22 kg and 36.65 kg in treatment and control respectively at Himachal Pradesh with an improvement of 8.88%. The average revenue gain per farmer is Rs. 2142/-. In case of Jammu & Kashmir the average cocoon yield/ 100 DFLs recorded 54.60 kg and 51.50 kg in treatment and control respectively with an improvement of 5.68%. The average revenue gain is Rs. 1860/- per farmer. The results indicate that in field condition 0.5% Glutamic acid fortified mulberry leaf improved the cocoon yield during autumn season despite of poor leaf quality.