Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Michael Thanga, S Susikaran, K Chozhan, SR Venkatachalam and B Geetha

Abstract:
The present study was conducted during 2020-21 at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam and Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem district to identify the most suitable host plants for Eri silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan) rearing which can lead to sustainable production of silk in relation to physiological and economic parameters. Majority, Castor YTP 1 variety had high level of moisture content, protein and total carbohydrate which attributed to the superior economic traits including cocoon yield and silk percentage. The economic parameters viz. Mature larval weight (g), Single cocoon weight (g), Shell weight (g), Shell ratio (%) and Effective Rate of Rearing (ERR %) was found to be highest in Castor YTP 1 variety (9.05g, 3.85g, 0.55g, 17.43% and 96%). This study reveals that Eri silkworm reared on the leaves of castor variety YTP 1 showed superiority for the commercial parameters and same can be exploited for maximization of Eri cocoon production.