Order to obtain silk, mulberry trees are cultivated, silkworms are reared and their cocoons are collected to get silk fibres. The various steps involved are:

(i) Rearing of silkworms: A female silk moth lays hundreds of eggs at a time. The eggs are stored by the farmers at suitable temperature and humidity under hygienic conditions. When the eggs hatch, silkworms come out of the eggs. The silkworms are fed mulberry leaves. After 25-30 days, the silkworms stop eating and get ready to spin cocoons. The silkworms enclose themselves completely inside the silken cocoons in two or three days.

(ii) Processing of cocoons to obtain silk fibres: The pile of cocoons is placed in hot water. Hot water makes the silk fibres of cocoons to separate out. The long fibres are obtained by unwinding the threads from cocoons. This process is called reeling.

(iii) Converting silk fibres into silk cloth: Silk fibres obtained from cocoons

Explanation:


Silk is a natural protein fiber that is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. It is a luxurious fabric that is highly valued for its softness, shine, and durability. The process of obtaining silk from the silkworm involves several stages which are listed below:

Life Cycle of Silkworm:


Silkworms are the larval stage of the silk moth. The life cycle of a silkworm can be divided into four stages:

1. Egg Stage: The life cycle of a silkworm begins when the female silk moth lays eggs. The eggs are small, round, and yellow in color. They hatch into larvae within 10-12 days.

2. Larva Stage: The larvae that hatch from the eggs are called silkworms. Silkworms feed on the leaves of the mulberry tree. They grow rapidly and molt four times before spinning their cocoon. During this stage, they secrete a fluid from their salivary glands that hardens on contact with air, forming a protective cocoon around their body.

3. Pupa Stage: After spinning their cocoon, the silkworms enter the pupa stage. During this stage, they undergo metamorphosis and transform into adult silk moths.

4. Adult Stage: The adult silk moth emerges from its cocoon after 10-14 days. The silk moth is not able to fly and has a short lifespan of only a few days. The sole purpose of the adult silk moth is to mate and lay eggs, thus completing the life cycle.

Obtaining Silk from Silkworm:


Silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. The process of obtaining silk from the cocoon involves the following steps:

1. Sorting: The cocoons are sorted according to their quality and color.

2. Soaking: The cocoons are soaked in hot water for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften the silk and dissolve the sericin, a natural gum that holds the cocoon together.

3. Reeling: The softened silk fibers are then unwound from the cocoon. This process is called reeling. The fibers are reeled onto a spindle or reel in a continuous thread.

4. Weaving: The silk thread is then woven into fabric using traditional weaving methods.

In conclusion, silk is obtained from silkworms that feed on the leaves of the mulberry tree. The process of obtaining silk from the cocoon involves sorting, soaking, reeling, and weaving.