Comparative Biochemical Analysis of Eri Silkworm (Samia ricini) strains reared on different host plants

Abstract

The study evaluates the biochemical effects of host plants on three eri silkworm (Samia ricini) strains—Green Plain, Yellow Plain, and Hybrid—reared on Local Green castor, Local Pink castor, and tapioca. Carbohydrate and protein contents in the fat body and haemolymph of fifth instar larvae were measured using the Anthrone and Lowry methods, respectively. Host plants significantly influenced biochemical parameters, with no notable strain or interaction effects. The Green strain on Local Green + Local Green castor showed the highest fat body carbohydrate (1.290 mg/g), while the Hybrid strain on Local Green + Local Pink castor had the highest haemolymph carbohydrate (1.670 mg/ml). Protein content was highest in the Yellow strain’s fat body (1.433 mg/g) and Hybrid strain’s haemolymph (1.647 mg/ml) on Local Green + Local Pink castor. Castor’s superior biochemical profile compared to tapioca underscores its role in enhancing silkworm growth and silk quality, emphasizing host plant selection in eri sericulture.