Growth Attributes of Eco Races of Eri Silkworm, Philosamia Ricini Donovan in the Western Zone Conditions of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

One of the most economic exploitation, widely cultivated, and financially viable non-mulberry silkworms is the eri silkworm (Philosamia ricini). The feeds that eri silkworms consume have a significant impact on their yield and silk production. A study was conducted to assess the growth characteristics of the eco races of the eri silkworm in the circumstances of western region of Tamil Nadu. The Central Muga and Eri Research Institute in Jorhat, Assam provided the eco races of eri silkworm. Three replications of the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) were used to set up the treatments. By feeding worms with castor leaves in the cellular rearing method, the growth characteristics of eco races of eri silkworm, specifically the larval parameter and cocoon parameter, were examined. Among the eco races of eri silkworm in comparison with standard F1 hybrid, the eco race Jonai recorded the maximum growth attributes such as larval weight (7.09 g), cocoon weight (3.93 g), shell weight (0.66 g), shell ratio, ERR (16.78 %) which was on par with F1 hybrid followed by Khanapara and Titabar. The least was observed in Barpathar and Adogiri. This study reveals that among ten eco races of eri silkworm, the eco race Jonai recorded performed well in western zone condition of Tamil Nadu and it can be commercially reared in alternative to Commercial F1 breed.