Influence of Soil Fertility and Leaf Nutrients on Cocoon Yield of Antheraea mylitta Drury Ecoraces: A Model System to Strengthen the Livelihoods of Tribal Rearers

Abstract

Soil macronutrients and micronutrients influence leaf biochemical composition, which subsequently affects larval survival, growth, silk gland development, and essential cocoon characteristics such as cocoon weight, shell ratio, and filament length. This study highlights on how soil fertility and leaf nutrient status regulate cocoon yield and quality in Antheraea mylitta ecoraces of Odisha and suggests a model system to strengthen the livelihood of tribal rearers worldwide. The ecological and socio-economic importance of tropical tasar sericulture is initially outlined emphasizing the diversity of seven local ecoraces and their strong dependence on primary host plants Terminalia arjuna, T. tomentosa and Shorea robusta. The study incorporates knowledge regarding soil-leaf-larva interactions, nutritional absorption methods, and essential leaf-quality characteristics (protein, carbohydrates, moisture, tannins, texture) that influence rearing efficacy. Challenges caused by deteriorated soils, climatic changes, dependence on forests, widespread diseases, and traditional management practices are also examined. Ultimately, significant research gaps were identified and recommendations were proposed, including an integrated, multi-scale strategy that encompasses soil-plant diagnostics, leaf tissue analysis, enrichment of host plants and ecoraces, organic and site-specific nutrient management, as well as socio-economic interventions. Emphasizing soil and leaf nutrition is suggested as a rational approach to improve cocoon yield and quality, strengthen the livelihoods of tribal rearers, and promote conservation-focused tasar sericulture and as a model system to explore broader questions and mechanisms.