Evaluation of elite mulberry hybrids for rearing performance and economic traits of silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

Eight mulberry hybrids viz., MI-47 × MI-66, MI-79 × MI-66, ME-03 × MI-66, ME-146 × MI-66, ME-65 × V1, ME-67× V1, ME-02 × MI-66, ME-95 x V1 and two check varieties viz., V1 and S36. were evaluated for leaf quality using double hybrid (FC1 × FC2) silkworm at the Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra during 2022-23. Results revealed that the ME-65 × V1 hybrid recorded superior larval and cocoon traits viz., larval duration (8.33, 7.33 & 7.66 days), larval weight (42.65, 40.87, 45.24 g/10 larvae), ERR (95.33, 94.66 & 96.33%), cocoon weight (2.37, 2.32 & 2.44 g), pupal weight (1.86, 1.84 & 1.90 g), shell weight (0.50, 0.47 & 0.53 g), cocoon shell ratio (20.97, 20.53 & 21.83%), filament length (1311.00, 1310.00 & 1344.66 m), filament weight (0.42, 0.41 & 0.44 g) and filament denier (2.24, 2.03 & 2.34) in winter, summer and rainy seasons respectively.