Silk worms used in sericulture mainly feed on the leaves of which one of the following plants?

Introduction / Context:
Sericulture is the rearing of silk worms for the production of silk, an important cottage and commercial industry in many parts of the world, including India. Silk worms are very selective in their food habits and feed mainly on the leaves of a specific plant. This question checks whether you know that mulberry leaves are the primary food for the most commonly reared silk worm species. Understanding this basic fact helps connect biology with agricultural practices and rural livelihoods.

Given Data / Assumptions:
– The organism referred to is the silk worm used in sericulture, typically Bombyx mori.
– The options include leaves of curry plant, mulberry plant, basil plant, and rose plant.
– The question asks which plant provides the main food for silk worms.
– We assume familiarity with simple facts about silk production taught in school biology and social science.

Concept / Approach:
The domesticated silk worm Bombyx mori feeds almost exclusively on mulberry leaves. Mulberry trees are therefore cultivated specifically to supply food for silk worm rearing. The quality and quantity of mulberry leaves directly affect the yield and quality of silk because the worms spin their cocoons from proteins synthesised using nutrients from these leaves. Curry leaves, basil, and rose plants are important for culinary, medicinal, or ornamental uses but are not used as primary feed for commercial silk worms. Consequently, mulberry plant leaves are the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that sericulture involves raising silk worms in trays or rearing houses and feeding them carefully selected leaves. Step 2: Remember from school lessons that mulberry leaves are repeatedly mentioned as the preferred and almost exclusive food of Bombyx mori. Step 3: Recognise that curry leaves and basil are mainly used as spices in cooking, and rose plants are grown for flowers, not as silk worm feed. Step 4: Conclude that the plant on which silk worms feed in sericulture is the mulberry plant.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on biology and vocational subjects describe the stages of silk worm rearing, from egg to larva, pupa, and adult moth. In the larval stage, the worms are fed multiple times per day with fresh mulberry leaves. Photographs and diagrams in these books show trays of worms eating mulberry foliage. Agricultural extension materials for sericulture also emphasise the cultivation of mulberry trees as a key part of the industry. None of these sources recommend curry, basil, or rose as food plants for silk worms, confirming that mulberry leaves are the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Curry leaves plant: These leaves are used in cooking to add flavour to dishes but are not the main food for silk worms in sericulture.
Basil plant: Basil is an herb used for seasoning and medicinal purposes but does not serve as standard feed for silk worms.
Rose plant: Roses are primarily grown for their flowers and are not suitable or commonly used as a food source for silk worms.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may not remember the specific plant and may guess based on familiarity with common garden plants. Others may assume that any leafy plant could be suitable food. To avoid such mistakes, keep in mind the strong association between mulberry cultivation and silk production. When you think of silk worms, think of mulberry leaves; when you think of mulberry plantations, think of sericulture. This simple paired association ensures that you will select the correct option reliably in exams.

Final Answer:
Silk worms used in sericulture mainly feed on the leaves of the Mulberry plant.