Effect of spermidine on the Economic traits of Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta (Daba TV)

Abstract

Polyamines are low molecular weight polycations ubiquitously present in all living cells. There is an increasing interest in the study of the polyamines as they are proved to be involved in a large number of cellular processes, like transcription and translation, DNA stabilization, signal transduction, cell growth and proliferation. The insect Antheraea mylitta, which produces tasar silk belongs to family Saturnidae. It has always been an important aspect to enhance the economic traits of silkworms by many scientists. In this study, considering the beneficial aspects of polyamines, the effect of spermidine on the growth of A. mylitta was studied. Silkworms in 5 th instar larval stage were fed with plain and spermidine sprayed Terminalia arjuna leaves in different concentrations. Results show 50µM spermidine treated silkworms gained more weight than the control worms. The treated worms showed improved economic traits in all respects. These results suggest that A. mylitta larvae can be fed with spermidine treated Terminalia arjuna leaves for better growth rate and increased silk production.