Syzygium cumini L. - A potential new host of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta drury (lepidoptera - saturniidae)

Abstract

An attempt was made to rear the tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury on the leaves of Syzygium cumini (jamun) for the first time in India and reared under indoor rearing condition. Jamun is a very common, large evergreen beautiful tree of Indian subcontinent. The scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and it belongs to the myrtaceae plant family. It was observed that the jamun is a potential new host of tropical tasar silkworm. The growth parameters and cocoon characters of the tasar silkworm reared on jamun leaves were normal. The tasar silkworm successfully lasted its life cycle ranged from 65 to 70days. The effective rate of rearing, weight of pre-spinning larvae, cocoon, shell and pupae ranged from 75 to 80 per cent, 25 to 35 g, 10 to 12 g, 1.10 to 1.30g, 7 to 9 g, respectively. Parameters such as length of cocoon shell, peduncle, width of shell, peduncle, shell thickness etc. the fecundity ranged from 175 to 210 eggs. The finding of jamun as a potential new host for tropical tasar silkworm has opened new vistas in promoting vanya silk industry.