Environmental factors and rearing techniques affecting the rearing of silkworm and cocoon production of Bombyx mori Linn

Abstract

Silkworms have been domesticated or semi-domesticated insects for many centuries, as silkworms play an important role in the economy of men. The silkworm is by nature very delicate and sensitive to environmental conditions. Silkworm rearing is therefore aimed at producing very good quality cocoons of very high silk content utilizing the available optimum environmental conditions. The ecological factors, chiefly temperature, humidity, light and air during rearing show a significant effect in the growth of larvae and finally cocoon crop quality. However, other factors such as quality and quantity of the leaf supply and techniques of rearing adopted, such as feeding, cleaning, spacing etc. also influence the rearing activity. The silkworm behavior in relation to various environmental conditions varies with different stages of growth, and a bad environment affects the growth of worms.