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VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Impact of sequential plant-based diets on the growth and development of Eri Silkworm Samia ricini (Donovan)
Authors
Anujaa B, Arivudainambi S
Abstract
India is a significant producer of silk, with
Eri silk (Samia ricini) being one of the most important non-mulberry
varieties. This study evaluates the growth and rearing performance of Eri
silkworms when fed with different host plants to identify optimal combinations
for enhancing silk production. Eri silkworms were initially fed Ricinus
communis leaves during the 1st to 2nd instar stages and subsequently
transitioned to alternate host plants, including Manihot esculenta, Ailanthus
excelsa, Jatropha curcas, Plumeria alba, and Carica papaya
for the 3rd to 5th instar stages. A control group (R. communis only) was
maintained for comparison. Parameters such as larval duration, matured larval
weight, larval survival, cocoon and shell weight, shell ratio, effective rate
of rearing (ERR), pupation rate, moth emergence, fecundity, and hatchability
were assessed. The results revealed that R. communis (T6), used
exclusively throughout all stages, outperformed all other treatments. It
exhibited the shortest larval duration (20.93 days), the highest matured larval
weight (8.60 grams), larval survival rate (88.23%), cocoon weight (3.82 grams),
shell weight (0.58 grams), and shell ratio (12.11%). It also recorded highest
ERR (81.93%), pupation rate (92.52%), moth emergence rate (95.24%), fecundity
(322.36 eggs), and hatchability (94.87%). Additionally, during the
unavailability of R. communis, M. esculenta (T1), where their
sequential treatment recorded a larval survival rate of 85.63%, matured larval
weight of 6.80 grams, cocoon weight of 3.50 grams, and shell ratio of 10.85%,
can serve as a viable alternative.
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Pages:6-10
How to cite this article:
Anujaa B, Arivudainambi S "Impact of sequential plant-based diets on the growth and development of Eri Silkworm <i>Samia ricini</i> (Donovan)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 6-10
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