The book deciphers the scientific principles behind the process and production of the world famous superfine silk mats of Pathamadai in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India. Weaving of superfine silk mats has been a traditional handicraft involving highly skilled manpower and in-depth understanding on locally available eco friendly raw materials. Keeping this in focus, detailed explanations of the culm anatomy, fibre characteristics, phsyico-mechanical properties, epicuticular waxes have been illustrated. Further, a tissue culture protocol has been evolved for large scale...