Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Rubia Bukhari
Author-Workplace-Name: PG Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, University of Jammu, Jammu, UT Jammu and Kashmir, India
Author-Name: Azad Gull
Author-Workplace-Name: CSB-Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Ministry of Textile, Government of India, Srirampura, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Author-Name: Nitish Singh Pangotra
Author-Workplace-Name: PG Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, University of Jammu, Jammu, UT Jammu and Kashmir, India
Title:  Impact of Wood Ash on Mulberry Plant Health and Cocoon Crop Productivity: A Sustainable Approach for Sericulture
Abstract:  Silkworms require a balanced and nutrient-dense diet to thrive and the quality of mulberry leaves plays a critical role in determining their health and feeding efficiency. Wood ash as an organic amendment in mulberry cultivation to enhance plant health and cocoon crop productivity within sericulture is one of the sustainable techniques to meet out the quality mulberry leaf. It is rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals which serves as a multifaceted soil amendment that improves soil pH, nutrient density and plant structural integrity. These enhancements in mulberry plant vigour and disease resistance directly translate into improved leaf quality, which positively impacts silkworm health, cocoon yield and silk quality. Wood ash as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, promoting nutrient recycling and reducing costs for farmers. However, precise application methods and optimal dosages require further research to maximize the advantages of wood ash while mitigating potential soil alkalinization. Ultimately, the use of wood ash aligns with sustainable agriculture goals, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach that enhances mulberry productivity and supports the sericulture industry. This review article underscores the potential of wood ash to contribute to more resilient and sustainable sericulture practices.
Keywords: Mulberry, Sericulture, Wood Ash, Cocoon yield, Sustainable and plant health
Journal: Inventum Biologicum: An International Journal of Biological Research
Pages: 6-14
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Year: 2025
File-URL: https://journals.worldbiologica.com/ib/article/view/154
File-Format: text/html
File-URL: https://journals.worldbiologica.com/ib/article/view/154/341
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:adg:ibijbr:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:6-14