Rashtriya Krishi (English)

Swati Maurya ¹, Usha ², Radhey Shyam ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Clothing and Textile, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar (Uttarakhand), IN
2 Department of Entomology, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi (U.P.), IN
3 Department of Agronomy, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Silk is a natural protein fibre. The actual fibre protein, called fibroin is composed of fifteen amino acids hooked together in long molecular chain. Sericin, the gum that holds the filaments together, is also a protein substance. Silk is often called ‘queen of fibres’. Silk is produced by the larvae of several moths. These larvae live on mulberry leaves and each tiny larva consumes an extremely large number of leaves. Raising of these insects is a laborious job. The larva attaches itself to a specially constructed straw frames, rears its head, and begins to spew the silk liquid, which hardens on contact with air. The larva spins by moving its head in a figure-eight motion and contrasts the cocoon from the outside in. As it spins, the larva decreases in size, and upon completion of cocoon it charges into dormant chrysalis. Except for those to be used for breeding, the cocoons are subjected to heat; which kills chrysalis. These cocoons can be stored until unreeled in preparation for yarn manufacturing.

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Swati Maurya ¹, Usha ², Radhey Shyam ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Clothing and Textile, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar (Uttarakhand), IN
2 Department of Entomology, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi (U.P.), IN
3 Department of Agronomy, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Flax is a bast fibre and obtained from the stock or stem of the Linum usitatissimum (member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae). It is a food and fiber crop cultivated in cooler regions of the world. The textiles made from flax are known in the Western countries as linen. Like cotton, it is a cellulose polymer, but its structure is more crystalline, making it stronger, crisper and stiffer to handle, and more easily wrinkled. Flax fibres range in length upto 90 cm, and average 12 to 16 microns in diameter. They absorb and release water quickly, making linen comfortable to wear in hot weather. One of nature’s strongest vegetable fibres, flax was also one of the first to be harvested, spun and woven into textiles.

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