Influence of phytoecdysteroid containing plant extract of tridax procumbens on larval growth performance of silkworm, Bombyx mori l.

Abstract

The oral administration of phytoecdysteroid containing plant extract of Tridax procumbens were tested against III, IV and Vth instar larvae of silkworm for improving the larval growth performance of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. The various concentration (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0%) of isolated phytoecdysteroid containing plant extract of Tridax procumbens were administered to III, IV and Vth instars silkworm with mulberry. The larval growth index was influenced by plant extract containing phytoecdysteroid. The intensity of influence was depending on the time and dose exposure. The larval growth performance was highly effective at 2.5% concentration. The mean larval weights, relative growth rate of final instar larva of Bombyx mori were also increased with this supplementation of plant extract over the control. In the present study the plant extract of Tridax procumbens have growth promoting effect in silkworm which helps to improve the larval growth performance of silkworm, Bombyx mori.