Foliar supplementation of zinc modulates growth and antioxidant defense system of tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the growth and antioxidant defense protection of the silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) larvae (IInd instar), when fed on Terminalia arjuna leaves supplemented with a trace element, Zinc, for 10 days. Experimental animals, comprising control (group I; supplemented with distilled water) and the experimental groups (groups II, III and IV) were supplemented with Zinc, sprayed on leaves in doses of 68, 136, 272 mg/kg larval body weight, respectively. Antioxidant defense capacity in the whole body tissue of A. mylitta was found to be modulated with higher activity of Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione S- transferase in the experimental groups. Same trend was observed for total glutathione, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid content. Results suggest that Zinc plays an important role in augmenting the growth and antioxidant protection of the larvae of A. mylitta, which may improve the larval fitness, quality and quantity of silk production.