Influence of host plants on biochemical composition in different strains of eri silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval)

Abstract

Eri silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval) is a vital non-mulberry species in Indian sericulture, known for its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and polyphagous feeding behaviour. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the impact of different host plants (green castor, Pink castor and Tapioca) on the biochemical composition of three strains of eri silkworm viz., Yellow Plain, Green Plain and Hybrid (Green × Yellow). Biochemical analysis revealed significant variation in carbohydrate and protein content in the fat body and haemolymph across different treatments. The highest carbohydrate and protein levels were recorded in larvae reared on Local Green + Local Pink and Local Green + Local Green combinations. However, correlation analysis indicated that these biochemical parameters had weak and mostly non-significant relationships with economic traits. These findings suggest that while host plant combinations can alter the biochemical profile of eri silkworms, their direct influence on commercial traits remains limited.