Impact of certain plant extracts on different larval and cocoon characters of silkworm bombyx mori linn

Abstract

Silkworm Bombyx mori L. feeds on the leaves of mulberry tree which is only the host plant for silkworm. The improvement of larval feeding is enrichment of mulberry leaves with supplementary nutrients. The present study has been aimed at investigating various economic traits of the silkworm cocoon, when fed on mulberry leaves fortified with the effect of leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum (“Queen of Herb” Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem or Nim tree) and Vitex negunda (Nirgundi or Sindvar) medicinal leaf extract at different concentration viz., 0.1%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% on silkworm was studied. There was significant improvement in silk ratio % and filament length at 2.5% concentration of different medicinal plant leaf extract but the cocoon and shell weight decreased in comparison to control. In was significantly increased the larvae, economic traits like cocoon weight, shell weight, pupa weight, shell percentage, filament length, fibroin, sericin and denier of silk filament. Extract has growth promoting effect on silkworm, which helps to enhance the commercial qualities of silk and can be used in sericulture for yield improvement.