TRIAL OF TECHNOLOGIES [TOT]

The technology developed from the outcome of the R & D project/ experiments (e.g. breed, variety, rearing method, chemical formulation for silkworm & its host plant protection and management, fertilizer application, mechanization, reeling weaving, dying etc) will be evaluated and validated in the field level and further dissemination of technology among farmers’/ stakeholders. There are two levels of testing of technology, mainly on-station trial and on-farm trial. There are 09 TOTs (OST-07 & OFT-02) have been taken for trial at 74 different locations.

1. On-Station Trial (OST):

OST is an important component of Trial of Technology (ToTs) and its main function is the testing of Tasar technologies developed from outcome of the research & development projects/ experiments and to validate the results in the on-stations (Main station/ RSRS/ RECs) with application of all the package of practices suggested by the researcher/ scientists. Researchers to detect statistically significant differences on biological criteria between treatments through OSTs, about the new Tasar technology. There are 07 OSTs have been taken up during the year 2022-23 at 63 different trial locations.

a. Evaluation of cocoonase variant for cocoon softening/ degumming and silk surface modification.

b. Evaluation of PSB for qualitative and quantitative improvement in tasar food plant leaf.

c. Validation of chemical trap for Ichneumon wasp.

d. Evaluation of IPM for control of gall fly.

e. Evaluation of IPM for control of Stem borer in tasar food plants.

f. Establishment and popularization of improved accession102 and 123 of Terminalia arjuna and Lagerstromia speciosa.

g. Evaluation of Egg washing cum disinfection machine.

2. On-farm Trial (OFT):

It is another important component of ToTs and its main function in sericulture is the testing of Tasar technologies developed from the outcome of the R & D project / experiment and evaluated in the on-station trials and further testing in the farmers/ stakeholder field level (field practices) for demonstration of technology to the famers’/ stakeholders and also to disseminate the technology among the farming community. This helps to ensure that OFT will have the best chances of being useful to the largest possible number of Tasar farm families/ Tasar stakeholders. OFT thus offers the opportunity to study technical, economic and social effects, and their interactions.There are 02 OFTs have been taken up during the year 2022-23 at 11 different trial locations.

a. Validation and popularization of cooking package developed for three eco-races.

b. Management of abiotic factor using light reflector paints to reduce erratic and delayed emergence.