Question

The term “Grainage” in sericulture refers to:
A. Disease free and quality egg production
B. Disease free and quality cocoon production
C. Disease free silk worm rearing
D. Safe storage of host plant seeds
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A and B only
• B. B and C only
• C. A only
• D. D only

Hint:

A grainage is a specialized laboratory where silkworm eggs (seeds/DFLs) are produced under strict scientific control to prevent the spread of diseases like pebrine.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Grainage is a specialized institution or facility in the sericulture industry.
Its primary function is to produce and supply healthy, high-quality silkworm seeds (eggs) to silkworm rearers.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In sericulture, the silkworm eggs are commercially referred to as "seeds" or "graine."
The process of producing these seeds under scientific supervision to ensure they are free from diseases (especially pebrine, which is vertically transmitted from mother to offspring) is called grainage operations.
A grainage facility procures seed cocoons, allows them to emerge as moths, conducts scientific testing of the female moths for disease, and facilitates mating to produce Disease-Free Layings (DFLs).
Therefore, the term grainage refers specifically to disease-free and quality egg production (A).
Rearing silkworms for cocoon production (B and C) is carried out by commercial rearers on farms, not within grainage facilities.
Host plant seed storage (D) is an agronomic task unrelated to grainage.
Thus, only statement A is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).