Study on the impact of Mikania micrantha leaf extract feeding on Silk gland protein concentration of V instar Eri Silkworm Samia ricini Donovan

Invasion of alien plant species is one of the most serious global problems that adversely affect both natural and seminatural ecosystems. Mikania micrantha is one of the 100 world's worst alien species and pose a serious threat to biodiversity. In this paper impact of feeding different concentrations (T₁₀-T₁₀₀) of Mikania micranhta leaf extracts fortified on castor leave on the posterior silk gland protein (PSG) concentrations of eri silk worm, Samia ricini Donovan has been investigated. Significantly higher protein concentration (77.13±2.28) was recorded in T₄₀ compared to rest of the treatments and control (73.61±2.76) during the spinning stage. The study has indicated that the leaf extracts of Mikania micrantha exhibit stimulatory effect on protein synthesis in the posterior silkgland of eri silk worm Samia ricini Donovan. Thus, Mikana micrantha, a commonly available weed all over can be commercially exploited for better growth of silkworm and hence the silk productivity and fecundity of eri silk worm Samia ricini Donovan.