Organics in mulberry (Morus spp.) on egg traits of seed cocoon silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) races

Abstract

The mulberry varieties Viz., S36 and M5 grown with the application of different organics to supplement nitrogen yielded good response with respect to egg technological traits of PM and CSR2 seed cocoon races with the application of Biofertilizers @ 10 kg/ha each of Azospirillum brasilense + Aspergillus awamori + 20 per cent recommended nitrogen each through compost, vermicompost, green manure, castor oil cake and 20 per cent N and recommended dose of P and K through inorganic fertilizers(T4) recorded significantly higher rate of moth emergence(92.13 and 88.50%),high female moth weight (0.730 and 0.955 g.),high male moth weight (0. 469 and 0.597 g.),more ovaries weight(0.209 and 0.325g.), high fecundity (466.24 and 506.44 eggs/ laying) and highest hatching percentage (95.31 and 94.93%). However, the next best treatment was T5 (20 tonnes FYM/ha/year + 300: 120: 120 NPK kg/ha/year through chemical fertilizers) recorded rate of moth emergence(91.0 and 87.50%), female moth weight (0.706 and 0.910g.), male moth weight (0. 451 and 0.564 g.), ovaries weight(0.202 and 0.310g.), fecundity (459.15 and 501.64 eggs/ laying) and hatching percentage (94.35 and 93.98%) respectively in PM and CSR2 seed cocoon races.