Effect of different species of mulberry plant on development and growth of mulberry silk worm (Bombyx mori Linn.) under natural conditions

Abstract

To study the different parameters of the Bombyx mori four host viz S-146, S-1635, V-1 and TR-10 and one alternate host plants under natural conditions highest percent mortality of 13.2 species recorded at early stage larvae on V-1. Generation survival fraction revealed that S-146 was most preferred host plant. Life table studies, viz. stage specific and survival of B. mori on the four species of mulberry plants (Morus alba) i.e, S-1635, S-146, V-1 and TR-10 under natural condition indicate that the insect preferred all the four hosts species but S-146 was favored, suitable food for the development and shows the lowest mortality of Bombyx mori.