Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
"Chawki" refers to the young larval stages of silkworms (specifically the first and second instars).
These early stages are highly sensitive to environmental changes, diseases, and predators.
Depending on the silkworm species, they require careful management either indoors or in protected outdoor environments.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis, is a semi-domesticated species.
Unlike the fully domesticated mulberry silkworm, which is reared entirely indoors, muga rearing is conducted outdoors on host trees (primarily Som, Persea bombycina, and Soalu, Litsea monopetala).
Because rearing occurs outdoors, the young, delicate chawki larvae are exposed to many environmental hazards.
These include predators (such as ants, wasps, spiders, and predatory birds) and adverse weather conditions (such as heavy rain and strong winds).
To protect the young larvae, farmers practice chawki rearing under nylon nets.
This involves placing nylon nets over small host plants or branches where the young caterpillars are feeding.
The nets act as a physical barrier against pests and predators, while still allowing air and sunlight to reach the leaves.
This technique significantly improves the survival rate of the early-stage larvae before they are moved to larger trees for the later instars.
The other species listed—such as Antheraea mylitta (tasar), Antheraea proylei (oak tasar), and Samia ricini (eri)—have different rearing systems that do not use this specific outdoor nylon net method for chawki stages.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Outdoor chawki rearing under protective nylon nets is a key practice for Antheraea assamensis.
Thus, the correct choice is (2).