Impact of mulberry nourished with broiler poultry compost on the growth and development of silkworm and cocoon production

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during 2024-2025 at the Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra (GKVK), Bengaluru. The study aimed to assess the impact of broiler poultry compost (BPC) in combination with different levels of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) on mulberry growth and silkworm performance. Among the treatments, (BPC + 75% RDF) exhibited superior results in silkworm growth and rearing performance. The highest larval weight (42.04 g) and larval progression (97.1%) were recorded in this treatment, accompanied by the shortest fifth instar duration (7.62 days), indicating faster development. The lowest larval mortality (4.1%) was observed in (BPC + 50% + FYM 50% + 100% RDF), suggesting improved larval survival. (BPC + 75% RDF) also produced the maximum cocoon yield, both by number (9616.92 cocoons) and weight (23.48 kg/10,000 larvae). The heigh weighed cocoons (2.40 g) and maximum shell weight (0.52 g) were recorded under this treatment, with pupal weight of 1.80 g and highest shell ratio (22.87%), surpassing both 100 per cent RDF and control. Furthermore, the longest filament length (1243.39 m), highest non-breakable filament length (1152.08 m) and maximum filament weight (0.373 g) were obtained in BPC + 75% RDF, along with a filament denier of 2.884, indicating superior silk strength and quality.