Studies on evaluation and identification of suitable bivoltine hybrids (Bombyx mori L.) for better productivity in Odisha

Abstract

Ten silkworm hybrids SK6 X SK7 & B.Con1 X B.Con4; CSR50 X CSR51, CSR16 X CSR17, GEN3 x GEN2, CSR2 X CSR4 & FC2 x FC1; Dun6 X Dun22; APS45 x APS12 & HTO5 x HTP5 were evaluated in three crops (Aug-Sept 2018; Oct-Nov 2018; Feb-Mar 2019). The rearing and reeling performance was documented for analysis and multiple trait evaluation index values were utilized to determine the best performing hybrid. FC1 x FC2, HTO5 x HTP5, GEN3 x GEN2 and CSR50 x CSR51 generally performed well in all the seasons in Odisha; while CSR16 x CSR17 also in October-November crop. FC1 x FC2 occupied the top position with an MEI of 61.66 followed by HTO5 x HTP5 (55.44), CSR50 x CSR51 (50.78) and CSR16 x CSR17 (50.71). The result of the present study indicated that FC1 x FC2 has scored average EI values >50 for the maximum of 9 individual traits viz., single cocoon weight, single shell weight, shell ratio, cocoon yield by weight and number, average filament length, non breakable filament length, reelability and average neatness particularly with respect to overall performance irrespective of seasons. BCon1 x BCon4 and SK6 x SK7, the ruling foundation crosses reared in Eastern & NE India recorded 16-17% shell ratio only with 85% survival and were placed right at the bottom for their overall performance. Average and non-breakable filament lengths were >1050 in HTO5 x HTP5 and FC1 x FC2. Non-significant differences between the hybrids were observed for reelability and neatness. FC1 x FC2, bivoltine double hybrid which is quite popular in South/North India stood first for its overall performance in Odisha conditions also.