Comparative Evaluation of Tray and Floor Rearing Methods on Larval Growth, Disease Incidence and Cocoon Yield of Bombyx mori under Farmer-field Conditions

Abstract

Sericulture, the commercial cultivation of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) for silk production, serves as a crucial agro -based cottage industry that supports rural economies worldwide. The economic viability of sericulture depends substantially on maximising cocoon yield and quality, both of which are influenced by larval health, growth rates, and environmental management. Under practical farmer-field conditions, the choice of silkworm rearing technology can influence these outcomes. Among the various management strategies, tray rearing and floor rearing represent two prominent methods utilised by farmers, each offering distinct operational and microclimatic environments for the developing larvae. The traditional tray rearing method involves managing silkworms in structured, stacked wooden or plastic trays. This system allows for precise hygienic control, efficient bed cleaning, and uniform spacing, though it often demands intensive labour and higher initial infrastructure costs. On the other hand, floor rearing—where silkworms are reared directly on large, continuous floor beds—gained popularity as a labour-saving alternative designed to accommodate larger volumes of silkworms with reduced physical handling. Despite the theoretical benefits of labour reduction, the transition to floor rearing under field conditions may introduce management challenges. The continuous floor space can complicate microclimate regulation, compromise hygiene, and facilitate pathogen spread. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation comparing tray and floor rearing methods by monitoring an experimental setup of 5 ounces (100 disease-free layings, or DFLs) per system. By analysing critical parameters such as larval weight, disease incidence, cocoon weight, and the Effective Rate of Rearing (ERR%), this study compares the performance of tray and floor rearing, including during the critical desertion and spinning periods. Ultimately, this comparative analysis seeks to inform sericulture farmers when selecting suitable rearing practices. This study evaluates the comparative impacts of tray and floor rearing systems on Bombyx mori performance under field conditions, with the results indicating higher larval growth, lower disease incidence, and greater cocoon yield under tray rearing than under floor rearing. Future research could examine the integration of IoT-driven microclimate automation and early molecular disease diagnostics to optimise these rearing structures, while considering affordability and biosecurity for small-scale farmers.