Which of the following terms defines the process of silk production?

(a) Moriculture

(b) Sericulture

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) None of the above

 

The correct answer is (b) Sericulture.

While both terms are related to silk production, they define different parts of the process.

• Sericulture: This is the broad term for the entire process of silk farming. It encompasses everything from cultivating the food for the silkworms, raising the silkworms themselves, and harvesting the silk cocoons. In short, sericulture is the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk. 🐛
• Moriculture: This is a more specific term for the cultivation of mulberry plants. Since the most common type of silkworm (Bombyx mori) feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves, moriculture is a vital and essential first step in the process of sericulture. 

Therefore, sericulture is the correct term that defines the overall process of silk production, and moriculture is a critical component within sericulture.