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Countries |  |
Romania
A brief overview of sericulture in Romania:
Sericulture is a practice with tradition in Romania with a history marked by periods of both prosperity and decline. Its historical significance is underscored by Romania's status as a founding member of the International Sericultural Commission in 1959.
The origins of sericulture in the region date back to the 14th century in Transylvania and Banat, where it has been documented since 1348. The 18th century saws the introduction of sericulture to Moldova and Muntenia by the Ottoman. A notable milestone occurred in 1845 when 60000 mulberry saplings were distributed to support silk production in southern Moldova. Additionally, the Habsburg administration promoted mulberry cultivation in Banat and further development of sericulture was favored by the "laws" given by the Empress Maria Theresa (1740–1780). In Bucharest, the "Cotroceni Sericulture Station and Mulberry Nursery" was founded in 1906 and later evolved into the "Băneasa Sericulture Station" in 1916. In 1957, this station merged with an apiculture division to create the "Băneasa Central Research Station for Apiculture and Sericulture," which underwent several reorganizations before becoming "Commercial Society S.C. SERICAROM S.A. Bucharest" in 1991.
In 2022, the Research Station for Sericulture Băneasa-Bucharest (SCS Băneasa-Bucharest) was founded by Government decision no. 695/2022 after the dissolution of Commercial Society S.C. SERICAROM S.A. Bucharest.
Presently, the Research Station for Sericulture Băneasa-Bucharest function under administrative and financial support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and scientific coordination of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences.
Before 1990, due to the resources and genetic potential, Romanian sericulture was a thriving and profitable industry, reaching peak cocoon production levels of 1.330 tons in 1944 and 1963 as well, 1.028 tons in 1986, over 1894 tons in 1989. Since 1990 production started to decline, dropping below 250 tons. Over the time, sericulture sector declined in both silk production and mulberry cultivation areas. Contributing decline factors include economic instability during the transition to a market economy, low purchasing prices for cocoons, and competition from cheaper imported cocoons. However, the significant sericulture potential of Romania was demonstrated by several research and development projects funded under national research programs between 2000 and 2004. The decline continued until 2022.
Subsequent, a statement issued by the European Union in October 2007 that applies to Romania states that the state provides financial support for sericulture. However, to successfully revitalize this sector, strategic measures should still be implemented. Key steps include fostering the growth of the private sector by encouraging private farmers to engage in sericulture through access to government-backed loans, partially subsidized by the state. Additionally, enhancing mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing technologies tailored to modern private farming practices is essential. Developing innovative methods for utilizing sericulture by-products and integrating them into the market economy will further strengthen the industry's economic viability. Moreover, establishing comprehensive collaborative programs with traditional sericulture countries can facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancements, fostering a dynamic and sustainable sericulture industry in Romania.
The Research Station for Sericulture Băneasa-Bucharest took over the patrimony (84 breeds/lines of silkworms Bombyx mori and a collection of mulberry varieties Morus spp.).
Now is the most important institute in sericulture field at national level. The research activities are directed to boost the strategic domain of rearing silkworm.
The primary objectives of the research include:
- Conservation and amelioration of the sericultural gene pool which includes a collection of 84 breeds, lines, and hybrids of silkworms;
- Development of new breeds, lines, and hybrids of silkworms;
- Development of new or improved methods and techniques, procedures and technologies in rearing silkworms;
- Prophylactic measures and treatments against silkworm diseases and pests;
- Research on obtaining mulberry seedlings;
- Creation of new mulberry varieties resistant to diseases and pests.
- Developing new or improved cultivation technologies for mulberry trees.
- Identification and development of innovative approaches for the practical utilization of sericulture products and by-products (spun silk, mulberry leaf tea, medicinal extracts, oils, pupae as animal feed, etc.) both at the headquarters of SCS Băneasa-Bucharest and at the Cislău Sericulture Center.
Presently, the only silkworm species reared in Romania is the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). A concern of the research station is also mulberry tree propagation methods, including softwood cuttings, grafting, layering, and seed propagation which play a crucial role in cultivation, with softwood cuttings being identified as the most effective technique. The scientific results achieved by SCS Baneasa-Bucharest research team aim to encourage rural communities to start or expand silkworm-rearing family businesses. This encouragement is based on the diverse applications of silkworm outputs, including silk, pupae, and mulberry leaves. These resources offer economic opportunities across various sectors: silk production, medical uses, research models in genetics and physiology, food for both humans and animals, and compost derived from excreta and leftover mulberry leaves.
Since 2023, the Research Station for Sericulture Băneasa-Bucharest has been leading four national projects in collaboration with universities and other national institutes. These projects, funded by the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, are part of a strategic effort to revitalize and innovate Romania's sericulture sector.
Local sericulture institutions:
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Name of Organization: |
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bucharest, Blvd. Carol I, no. 4, district 3, post code 020921, post office 37. |
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Research Station for Sericulture Băneasa Bucharest |
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Contact Person: |
Anca GHEORGHE |
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Postal Address: |
Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti No. 69, Sector 1, 013685, Bucharest – Romania |
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WEB Address: |
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E-mail: |
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Phone: |
+ 40 722256825; +40 723044900 |
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Mission statement: |
Research and extension in sericulture |