Estimation of Hybrid Vigor of Some Egyptian Single Local Hybrids of Mulberry Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

Fifteen races resulted from silkworm breeding programat Sericulture Research Department (SRD) were used for hybridization. Fourteen hybrids were obtained and coded as; Giza C, D, R, S, T, U, A, V, W, P, H, L and Qanater 1, 2. The traits of cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, pupal weight, cocoon shell ratio, silk productivity, fifth instar duration, total larval duration, number of cocoon per liter and pupation ratio were evaluated. Data were analyzed by using three formulae of heterosis over better, mid and checkparent values. Hybrids of Giza V, C, N, Qanater 1 and2 are promising and could be used in commercial cocoon production. Generally, there are some new hybrids can be exploited in commercial scale. Also, the local races can be evolved using the hybridization, inbreeding and selection program.