Leaf quality assessment of some selected mulberry genotypes through moulting test using silkworm larvae
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive quality of mulberry genotypes through moulting test, weight gain by the worm with two races of silkworm-CBs and Nistari. The moulting test study revealed that when leaves of a few mulberry genotypes like, 5V1, S1 Almora Local, Berhampore-B, Kolita-B, Mandalaya, KPG-3, K2, M. indica H. P. and Bishnupur-4, were fed to 1st instar silkworm showed high percentage of moulting ability after 65% of feeding. Moreover, the worms also showed synchronization in settling in moult and moult out. These genotypes can be exploited in Chawki rearing to maximise the number of worms and also used as parents in quality based breeding.
