Utilization of Borpat (Ailanthus Grandis) for Up-Scaling of Ericulture: Scope, Limitations, and Strategies

Abstract

Eri silkworm (Samia ricini) is a polyphagous, multivoltine silkworm and around 5-6 crops can be raised per year depending on the availability of the host plants. Poor availability of host plants is a limiting factor in enhancing eri silk production and its spread in non-traditional areas. Castor is the most preferred food plant of the eri silkworm. However, the annual nature of the crop, its availability on a large scale, and leaf availability throughout the year are a big challenge. Therefore, the alternate perennial nature host plants were analyzed for their potential under various research programmes at CMER&TI. Kesseru (Heteropanax fragrans) and borpat (Ailanthus grandis) plants have been identified as potential substitutes for major host plant (castor) based on their nutritional quality and bioassay performance. Germplasm of these identified perennial host plants was collected from North-East region and is conserved in the Germplasm Conservation Centre (GCC) of CMERTI. Subsequently, a cultivation package of practice has been developed for Kesseru. However, borpat despite being the most preferred food plant after castor has been ignored due to its complex nature of propagation. The present manuscript gives an insight on the propagation of borpat through seed, scope for clonal propagation, limitations, and future strategies for its improvement.