Assessment of the performance of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) on feeding with mulberry raised using different bioagents

Abstract

Silk production significantly relies on the quality of mulberry foliage, which is the sole food source for the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. This study explores the impact of feeding the silkworms with mulberry raised with different bioagents viz., Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens recommended for the management of root-knot nematode infestation. The bioagents were assessed for their impact on various silkworm development and cocoon parameters. Results showed that T. viride treated mulberry leaves significantly enhanced fifth instar larval weight (3.11 g), reduced larval duration (7.19 days), improved cocoon weight (2.02 g), shell weight (0.39 g) and pupal weight (1.67 g). Furthermore, the average filament length (1097.16 m) and denier (3.07) of the cocoons were superior in the T. viride treatment compared to all other treatments. The findings highlight the crucial role of mulberry leaf quality in sericulture and suggest that bioagents, particularly T. viride can enhance silkworm productivity, mitigating the adverse effects of root-knot nematodes.