ARACNE PROJECT: COLLABORATION WITH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Within the framework of the "ARACNE" project, the State Silk Museum collaborated with the Agricultural University of Georgia to develop research and practical activities in the field of sericulture.

Acting as the museum’s subcontracted partner, and with the involvement of Dr. Irakli Gujabidze, Head of the Sericulture Laboratory, and his team, the university made it possible to include Georgian mulberry species in the Morus App, a digital platform that maps mulberry genetic resources across Europe.

In parallel, the Sericulture Laboratory of the Agricultural University of Georgia and the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture conducted seasonal silkworm rearing and breeding activities aimed at strengthening the gene pool of Georgian silkworm breeds.

Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Nargiz Baramidze, the sericulture laboratory of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture carried out the following activities:

- Publication of an album featuring currently preserved Georgian silkworm breeds, with descriptions in Georgian and English for each variety.

- Improvement of local breeds traditionally developed through folk selection, such as the colored-cocoon varieties Kakhetian Green and Kakhetian Orange, and the white-cocoon varieties Kartuli and Telavuri.

- Provision of the laboratory with necessary equipment and materials to create optimal conditions for silkworm rearing.