The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Sericulture is an agro-based industry involving the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk. It combines agriculture (cultivation of food plants like mulberry) and industry (rearing of silkworms and reeling of silk).
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Sericulture is defined as the commercial rearing of silkworms for the production of silk fibre. The most common species used for this purpose is Bombyx mori.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Silk is not obtained from the roots of the mulberry plant. Instead, it is a natural protein fibre secreted by the silkworm larvae to spin a cocoon around themselves during their pupal stage. The mulberry plant is essential to the process because its leaves serve as the primary food source for the silkworms.
Key Takeaway:
Silk is obtained from the cocoons of silkworms, not from the plant itself. The mulberry plant is cultivated solely to provide leaves for feeding the larvae.