Eucalyptus and neem based crude extraction effect in acceleration of natural mounting process in the silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

For the successful harvesting of cocoons crop various activities are involved among them mounting is one the important activity in silkworm rearing which finally decides the successful harvesting of cocoons crops. To improve the mounting efficiency eight different plants viz., Neem, Eucalyptus, Pine, Sapota, Papaya, Marigold, Holy Basil and Basil were tested on silkworm bivoltine hybrid CSR2 x CSR4. The results of the study showed that percentage of larvae spun the cocoons on the mountages and percentage of good cocoons was significantly improved in the eucalyptus and neem tested batches. In addition, there was no negative effect noticed on single cocoon weight, shell weight and shell percentage.