CATDOLL : CATDOLL: Can the mulberry leaves from mulberry trees be used to feed silkworms?

Can the mulberry leaves of mulberry trees be used to feed silkworms?

Silkworm: Silkworms are oligophagous insects. In addition to mulberry leaves, they can also eat lettuce leaves, mulberry leaves, paper mulberry leaves, elm leaves, duck onions, and dandelions.

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Like lettuce leaves, mulberry leaves are the most suitable natural food for silkworms.

Tussah silkworm: Tussah silkworm feeds on the leaves of plants of the genus Quercus in the Fagaceae family, such as Quercus oxyphylla, Quercus mongolica, and Quercus truncatula. It can also feed on the leaves of plants such as Artemisia selengensis, Salix babylonica, chestnut, maple, pear, and apple.

Silkworm: Feeds on leaves of plants of the genus Quercus in the Fagaceae family, such as Quercus liaotungensis, Quercus mongolica, Quercus shuanpiensis, Quercus jianjianensis, etc.

Amber silkworm: Amber silkworm can eat leaves of several plants, mainly nanmu leaves, but also eat leaves of evergreen trees such as Rubiaceae and Tiger thorn, as well as leaves of plants such as Michelia and Cinnamomum.

Camphor silkworms: Camphor silkworms mainly feed on camphor leaves, which have better silk quality. They also feed on maple leaves, willow leaves, wild roses, sand pears, guava, purple shell wood and kelp leaves, etc.

Chestnut silkworm: Mainly feeds on leaves of walnut, chestnut, apricot, maple, elm, camphor, elm and other trees.

Cathayana silkworm: The staple food is catalpa leaves (Ailanthus altissima), and it also eats leaves of Tung oil tree, castor oil plant, holly, Michelia, Paulownia, sycamore, camphor tree, etc.

Tallow silkworm: feed on coral leaves, also feed on tallow leaves, maple leaves, holly leaves, etc.

Willow silkworm: mainly feeds on leaves of willow, maple, Chinese tallow tree, camphor, paulownia, etc.

How to grow mulberries

1. Layering

Press the branch off the mother plant, scratch the bark of the branch and bury it in the soil, leaving the branch tip exposed. When the branch is alive and rooted, cut it off. Generally, it is planted in spring or autumn. In early spring, bury the mother plant in the ditch and compact it. The row spacing is 2.0 m×0.4 m.

2. Grafting

Grafting is to connect the buds or branches of another mulberry tree to the root or trunk of a mulberry tree to make a new plant. The main methods of grafting are root grafting, branch grafting and bud grafting. Temperature has a direct impact on the effect of grafting. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate period for grafting according to the characteristics of the tree species, generally 20-25 ° C, and do not graft in strong winds or rainy seasons.

3. Seed propagation

Wash the ripe mulberries and remove the pulp to get the seeds. Mulberry seeds can be sown in autumn, summer or spring, and new seeds can be sown in autumn or summer. Soak the seeds in warm water at 50 ° C first, and soak and germinate the seeds for at least 12 hours. When the seed coat breaks, you can sow.

Additional information:

The value of mulberries:

The main nutrients of mulberries include water, sugar, crude protein, ash, crude fiber, free acid, soluble nitrogen-free substances, etc. In addition, mulberries also contain essential amino acids and easily absorbed polysaccharides, rich vitamins, red pigments and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc. that are lacking in the human body. They have the effects of enhancing immunity, promoting the growth of hematopoietic cells, and promoting metabolism.

The mulberry polysaccharide contained in mulberry has a scavenging effect on hydroxyl free radicals and superoxide anion free radicals, blocking the free radical reaction chain, and has certain antioxidant and anti-aging effects. The mulberry extract is rich in phenolic substances and pigments, which can significantly improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes and has the function of delaying memory decline in the aging process.

Reference source: Baidu Encyclopedia - Mulberry

1. Establishment of the New Mulberry Garden

1. Site selection

Choose deep, loose, fertile soil, far away from polluted places, and require irrigation and drainage capabilities. It is best to choose paddy fields. In addition, mulberry trees can be planted in scattered mountains, slopes, river beaches, etc.

2. Preparation before transplanting

1. Deeply till the soil to promote subsoil oxidation and enhance air permeability and water permeability.

2. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, which requires 20-30 dan of fully decomposed pig and cow manure and soil and miscellaneous fertilizer as base fertilizer, and combine it with deep plowing to bury the organic fertilizer deep in the soil.

3. Land preparation and digging of drainage and irrigation ditches. Land preparation requires fine workmanship, with a flat surface and no weeds. The width of the ditches is 1.3-1.6 meters, and the depth is 20-30 centimeters. Dig drainage and irrigation ditches around the field and a cross ditch in the middle of the field, the depth of which is 10 centimeters deeper than the ditches.

(III) Planting

1. Planting period: Generally, it is better to plant in winter and early spring, and the soil temperature should be stable at around 10-12℃.

2. Selection and treatment of seedlings. Choose healthy seedlings of good quality mulberry without diseases and insects. When planting mulberry in summer and autumn, try not to damage the roots when transplanting the seedlings to preserve the root system of the mulberry seedlings; when planting mulberry in winter and spring, lightly trim the long taproots to promote the growth of lateral roots. Before planting, dip the roots in mud mixed with phosphate fertilizer to facilitate root growth and survival.

3. Planting density. Generally, mulberry gardens are suitable for dense planting and rapid growth. It is appropriate to plant 5,000 to 7,000 hybrid mulberry plants per mu, with a row spacing of 65 to 80 cm and a plant spacing of 12 to 18 cm.

4. Planting method: bury the roots of the mulberry seedlings in the soil of the mulberry row, cover the soil and lift it lightly to stretch the roots, tamp it down and then add a layer of loose soil. It is required to be 3 cm above the rhizome, and water it enough to fix the roots. Prune the plants within 2 days after planting, leaving a plant height of 10-20 cm, and cut off the tips to achieve a uniform height.

4. Management after planting

1. Covering. Cover the ground or mulberry rows with straw or weeds to retain water and prevent drought, reduce water loss of plants, inhibit the growth of weeds, prevent soil compaction, and fertilize the soil.

2. Water in time to prevent drought and drain stagnant water. Maintaining appropriate soil moisture is the key to the survival and growth of new mulberry trees. Water in time when the soil is dry and drain in time when it rains.

3. Loosen the soil and weed. After a certain period of time, especially after rain, the soil tends to become compacted. Loosening the soil in combination with weeding is conducive to the growth of mulberry roots.

4. Fertilization. After the new mulberry sprouts and leaves, apply manure water or urea fertilizer once. Later, according to the growth of the new mulberry, apply fertilizer 1-2 times. The amount of fertilizer is 5-10 kg of urea or 10-15 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. The amount of fertilizer applied each time should not be too much in the young tree stage, and it should be fed in small amounts and frequently.

5. Replant missing plants. Missing plants in a mulberry garden will affect the yield. If missing plants are found, they should be replanted in time. When planting mulberry trees, some reserve plants should be left or some plants should be thinned out from densely planted areas to fill the gaps. At the same time, management should be strengthened to promote their growth to keep up.

2. Mulberry Garden Management and Mulberry Leaf Harvest

(I) Fertilization in mulberry garden

Fertilization in mulberry gardens can not only increase the yield of mulberry leaves, but also is an important measure to improve the quality of mulberry leaves, ensure a good harvest of silkworm cocoons and obtain high-quality silkworm seeds. For mulberry gardens with low soil fertility, 1.9-2.0 kg of pure nitrogen, 0.75-1.0 kg of pure phosphorus, and 1.0-1.13 kg of pure potassium should be applied for every 100 kg of mulberry leaves produced.

1. Types of fertilizers: mainly organic fertilizers such as manure, cake fertilizer, soil fertilizer, compost, pond mud, green manure, etc.; inorganic fertilizers such as compound fertilizer, urea, superphosphate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, wood ash, lime, and trace element fertilizers.

2. Fertilization method

(1) Organic fertilizer. Manure and cake fertilizer should be decomposed before being applied to the mulberry garden. Generally, it is applied after winter felling, but can also be used after summer felling and at other times. It can be applied by digging trenches. Soil and green manure can also be spread between rows in large quantities. Manure fertilizer is more effective when applied during the germination stage.

(2) Compound fertilizer, urea, superphosphate, organic compound fertilizer, etc. can also be used as base fertilizer and should generally be applied through trenching.

(3) Fertilization method for mulberry trees: Apply germination fertilizer when mulberry trees sprout, apply 15 kg of urea per mu, and then apply chemical fertilizer once within 3 days after the leaves are formed, each time applying 15 kg of urea per mu, 10 kg of superphosphate or 25 kg of compound fertilizer. You can also use 10 kg of urea plus 12 kg of compound fertilizer or 30-40 dan of manure water.

(4) Two-time fertilization throughout the year. Combine the annual fertilizer application amount and apply it twice in spring and summer by digging deep trenches, with 60% of the amount in the first half of the year and 40% in the second half of the year. Cover the soil with weeds or green manure after compacting it.

(5) Foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, foliar fertilizer, and penshibao have a certain effect on increasing the yield of mulberry leaves or improving the quality of leaves. Foliar fertilizers are generally used at least 15 days before the leaves are used for silkworm breeding during the mulberry production stage.

(II) Plowing and weeding of mulberry gardens

The mulberry garden is plowed once in mid-December for winter sun drying. Weeding is done once in spring, summer and autumn, and inter-row cultivation is combined with weeding.

3. Irrigation and drainage

The water content of mulberry leaves is generally 70-80%. If it is lower than 70-80%, the leaves will be affected. If it is lower than 50%, timely irrigation is required. Flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and watering can be used. The soil moisture should not be too much. In the rainy season, the land is low-lying and the groundwater level is high. At this time, the accumulated water should be removed.

(IV) Mulberry tree pruning methods

Reasonable pruning can reduce flowers and fruits, promote vegetative growth, renew branches, adjust the ventilation and light environment, promote vigorous growth of new shoots, reduce diseases and pests, and thus increase leaf production and quality.

1. Summer felling. Summer felling generally adopts the root mowing method. That is, the above-ground part is cut on the ground. This cutting method is suitable for leaf picking and is also easy to manage. However, the first leaves will produce more mud and sand.

2. Winter felling. Generally, the method of cutting down at the same height (leaving the main stem 30-50 cm) is adopted. Because each cutting is done at the same position, a fist-shaped branch is formed. Cutting down at the same height means cutting the branches flatly at the base of the branches at the fist-shaped branch. This method has more branches and more stable yield.

1. Land preparation: When planting mulberries, you should choose relatively flat, unpolluted land that is close to a water source.

2. Reproduction and cultivation: Before planting, make preparations, cut off the overlong and withered roots of the seedlings, and then insert the roots of the seedlings into compound fertilizer, and then cover them with soil. Generally, about ten centimeters is the best, covering the roots of the seedlings. After the seedlings are planted, the amount of watering is determined according to the dryness or wetness of the land.

3. Water and fertilizer management: The water demand period of fruit mulberry is mainly in spring and summer. The water demand of mulberry trees is not large, and the roots are buried deep in the soil. The soil provides sufficient water for the roots, but attention should be paid to watering to prevent drought. Generally, many farmers decide the amount of watering according to the actual conditions of the soil. Fertilizers are applied according to the land every year, usually in winter and summer, and the amount of fertilizer is determined according to the conditions of the land.

4. Harvest in time: Generally, mulberries mature around the Qingming Festival every year. When the mulberries just turn from red to black and are crystal clear, this is a sign that the mulberries are ripe.

It likes light, and is slightly shade-tolerant when young. It likes warm and humid climates and is cold-resistant. It is drought-resistant, but afraid of waterlogging. It will grow poorly or even die when waterlogged. It has strong adaptability to soil and can tolerate barrenness and light alkalinity, but it likes deep, moist, fertile soil. It has a well-developed root system and strong wind resistance. It has strong germination ability and is resistant to pruning. It has strong resistance to smoke and dust. It can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, layering, root division, grafting, etc.

1. Sowing method: Take mature mulberries from May to June, put them in a bucket, mix some wood ash, mash them gently with a wooden stick, wash them with water, take out the seeds, spread them out and dry them in the shade, and then sow them. If you want to sow in the spring of the following year, the seeds must be fully covered and dried in the sun, then sealed and stored in a cool room. Before sowing in spring, you can soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours, take them out, spread them out and cover them with a wet cloth, and sow them when the seeds are slightly exposed. The row spacing for row sowing is 25cm, the furrow width is 5cm, and the seed amount per mu is about 0.5kg. Cover the soil until the seeds are invisible. Cover with grass after sowing, spray water every day, and the seedlings will emerge in 3 to 4 days. In the future, you must thin out the seeds in time, and strengthen water and fertilizer management after entering the vigorous growth period. One-year-old seedlings can be as high as 60 to 100cm.

2. Cutting method: Hard branch cuttings are carried out in March and April in the north, and in autumn and winter in the south; soft branch cuttings are carried out in late May.

3. Grafting method: Cutting grafting, subcutaneous grafting, bud grafting, and root grafting are all possible, and subcutaneous grafting at the root neck of the stock has the highest survival rate. The stock is a mulberry seedling. The scion is taken from the excellent variety that needs to be propagated. Subcutaneous grafting is carried out from late March to mid-April when the sap flow can peel off the cortex. The scion is taken and stored in sand 10 days before grafting, which can inhibit bud germination and improve the survival rate.

The shape of mulberry trees can be cultivated into high, medium and low trunk forms according to functional requirements and varieties. For cultivation for the purpose of feeding silkworms, low-stem cup-shaped pruning is often used to facilitate the picking of mulberry leaves. For planting in gardens and green areas next to houses, high trunks and natural wide oval crowns are preferred. Potatoes are transplanted in spring and autumn, with autumn being the best. In order to obtain high-yield and high-quality mulberry leaves, sufficient basal fertilizer should be applied in winter, and quick-acting fertilizer should be applied in time in spring and summer. Mulberry trees have many diseases and insect pests, the most common of which are mulberry loopers, mulberry longhorn beetles, wild silkworms and atrophy diseases, which must be prevented and controlled in time.

1. Select good varieties and seedlings

High-quality varieties and seedlings are the basis for high yield and quality, and are also the first step in mulberry cultivation. They must be carefully selected. When selecting mulberry seedlings, do not choose old, weak, diseased, or seedlings of unknown origin for cheapness. Choose seedlings of standard specifications from regular units and that have been quarantined to avoid bringing in highly contagious and harmful diseases into the planting area.

2. Choose a suitable place

Choose a plot or field near the silkworm room, with convenient transportation, sandy loam, deep soil, no pollution (such as barbecue smoke, gas, etc.) and near water source.

3. Prepare the land and apply enough Xiaoxiong basal fertilizer

Deeply plow, break up and harrow the designated fields, dig furrows with a row spacing of 80-100 cm and a width and depth of 30-35 cm, loosen the ditch bottom, and add pond mud, turf ash, rotted garbage, compost and other soil and miscellaneous fertilizers as base fertilizer, with a total amount of 3000-6000 kg per mu, and add 50 kg of superphosphate and mix the fertilizer with the soil.

4. Scientific planting and selection of seed time

Although it can be planted all year round in the south, winter and spring are the best time. After determining the time, select the land and prepare the land. After the land is prepared, go to get the seedlings. The seedlings are obtained according to the above method. If the distance is far, the seedlings should be transported quickly with the pulp (roots) to reduce water loss.