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Specialists of the Technology Center of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan were able to harvest silkworm cocoons in summer for the first time in history by determining the optimal temperature and humidity in the wormwater. The experiment took place in laboratory conditions.

ORIENT correspondent had a conversation with the project manager, Head of the Department of Biotechnology Bezirgen Halliev, who noted that the recent perm in the vivarium, that is, the origin of cocoons, which happened on June 28, became a real sensation for employees.

According to the scientist, thanks to the definition and fixation of recommendations on cocoon cultivation, Turkmenistan will be able to significantly increase silk production. The thing is that earlier in the country, cocoons were harvested only in the spring, when the air temperature was less than +30 degrees and the caterpillars ate food. Creating the necessary conditions helped the caterpillars to curl again. This means that the country will be able to harvest valuable cocoons several seasons a year.

In addition, employees are preparing to ensure that curling in the fall, and the experiment on obtaining cocoons in winter will also be unique. They also said that entrepreneurs are already ready to receive appropriate recommendations on growing caterpillars in air-conditioned rooms for year-round harvesting.

The grain, that is, the eggs of the caterpillars, has already been collected, scientists are preparing for the September landing. Scientists are also favored by the build-up of the feed base: they were happy to receive the news about the mass planting of mulberry trees on the territory of southern and eastern Turkmenistan. So, experts were able to calculate the ideal temperature for the development of caterpillars — no higher than + 24 degrees.

Cultivation takes place due to Chinese mulberry varieties. The successful revival of the next grain, as scientists predict, will allow us to talk about a multiple increase in silk production in the country. Currently, about 2.3 thousand tons of cocoons are collected annually in Turkmenistan, despite the fact that delivery by order of the state is carried out only in spring. The new technology will allow harvesting four times a year.

The first cocoons of the summer harvest are no different from the main spring one: they are not deformed, solid, of normal size.

Scientists have plans not only to ensure year-round production, but also to establish a waste-free harvest. Scientists are thinking about granulating the dead bodies of butterflies as fish feed, and the dried remains of caterpillar feed for livestock.

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Photo: author's photo