Performance of Muga silkworm on different host plants under different rearing seasons with respect of rearing performance and chemical constituents

Abstract

Two primary host plants of Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer), viz. Som (Persea bombycina), Soalu (Litsea monopetela) were evaluated for rearing performance and cocoon characters during four different seasons under the agro climatic conditions of Boko, Assam. Mature larval weight was recorded significantly the highest from Soalu fed larvae, while it was the lowest from Soalu. Significantly heavier male cocoon and female cocoon weight was from Soalu. Biochemical constituents, viz. carbohydrates, crude fat and proteins etc. of the leaves were determined and correlated with the rearing performance. Among the rearing season Kotia crop recorded significantly highest rearing performance as well as biochemical constituent as compare to the rest of treatments.