Question

Out of the following, which are the two terms related to silk production?
Sericulture, floriculture, moriculture, apiculture and silviculture.

Answer 1

Hint: Silk is known to be a natural fiber. This protein fiber is composed mainly of fibroin. This is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons.

Complete step by step solution:
The best-known silk is known to be obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. Silk has a very shimmering appearance. This is due to the triangular structure of the silk fiber which refracts incoming light at various angles which produced different colors. Let us now look at the terms given to us in the question one by one.

- Sericulture: This is a process in which the silkworms are reared in order to produce silk. The silkworms are cultivated in this method and then silk is extracted from them.
- Floriculture: Floriculture refers to the cultivations of flowers. It is also known as flower farming. It is a branch of horticulture that is concerned with the growing and marketing of flowers.

- Moriculture: This is a process in which the mulberry plants are cultivated in order to obtain the food for the silkworms. The process of sericulture depends upon the process of moriculture. The leaves of the mulberry plants are harvested in order to feed the silkworms.
- Apiculture: Apiculture is the process in which honey bees are reared in order to produce honey and wax. This process is also known as beekeeping. In this process, honey bees are cared for and managed to produce wax and honey.

- Silviculture: Silviculture refers to the growing and the cultivation of trees. It includes the practice of controlling the growth, composition/structure, and the quality of forests to meet the values and needs.
Therefore, looking at the above definitions, we can say that sericulture and moriculture are the two terms that are related to silk production.

Note: Bombyx mori species are generally used for silk cultivation. There are 4 natural types of silk: Mulberry silk, Eri silk, Tasar silk, and Muga silk. Mulberry silk contributes to 90% of the silk production.