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VOL. 9, ISSUE 11 (2024)
Seasonal variation and effect of rearing Samia ricini on Manihot esculenta and Heteropanax fragrans
Authors
Fangleng Narzary, Dulur Brahma
Abstract
Samia ricini, the
only domesticated eri silkworm is polyphagous that feeds on a variety of host
plants. Ricinus communis, castor being the primary host plant is
superior in terms of growth parameters and quality silk production of the
silkworm. However, the annual nature of castor plant and requirement of high
maintenance cost makes it difficult for the poor eri farmers. Therefore,
present study was undertaken to see the effect of rearing S. ricini on Manihot
esculenta and Heteropanax fragrans during four different seasons
(Spring, summer, autumn and winter). It is observed that the rearing
performance of S. ricini on the combination of R. communis (1st
to 2nd instar) with M. esculenta (3rd to 5th
instar) and R. communis (1st to 2nd instar) with
H. fragrans (3rd to 5th instar) is
comparable to the performance of silkworms reared using R. communis alone
(1st-5th instar). The lowest larval and pupal duration,
highest fecundity (nos.), hatchability (%), effective rate of rearing (%),
emergence rate (%), survival rate (%), larval weight (g), cocoon weight (g),
shell weight (g) and shell ratio (%) was observed in the silkworms reared using
the leaves of R. communis which was similar to the silkworms reared
using combination of R. communis and M. esculenta as well as the
combination of R. communis and H. fragrans. Therefore, it may be
concluded that Manihot esculenta and Heteropanax fragrans are the
potential host plants of eri silkworm that can be used to rear S. ricini during
the crisis of primary host plant, R. communis.
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Pages:161-164
How to cite this article:
Fangleng Narzary, Dulur Brahma "Seasonal variation and effect of rearing <i>Samia ricini </i>on <i>Manihot esculenta</i> and <i>Heteropanax fragrans</i>". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 11, 2024, Pages 161-164
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