Effect of Ocimum sanctum L. plant extract on the economic parameters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L

Abstract

The “Queen of Herb” Tulsi is a herb with greater medicinal value used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Greek and Roman medicine for prevention and cure of many illness. V th instar Bombyx mori L. larvae were fed mulberry leaves enriched with different concentrations of (1%, 2%, and 3%,) Ocimum sanctum L. leaf extract and its effect on larval weight, cocoon weight, pupal weight, shell weight, shell ratio and silk characteristics was studied. Among the different concentrations, 2% of O. sanctum extract has been found to be most effective over the control. O. sanctum extract has growth promoting effect on silkworm, which helps to enhance the commercial qualities of silk and can be used in sericulture for yield improvement.