Indian Journal of Entomology

Open Access
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 88
  • Issue: 1

Effect of Production Seasons on the Biology and Performance of Strains of Eri Silkworm Samia ricini

  • Author:
  • Melkam Aleme1,*, Dereje Tulu1, Gezahegn Mengistu2, Ararsa Bogale2, Kedir Shifa3
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 131 to 135

1Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 34, Tepi, Ethiopia

2Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 2003, HoletaEthiopia

3Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, P O Box 436, Adama, Ethiopia

*Email: melekamaleme@gmail.com (corresponding author):

Online published on 26 February, 2026.

Abstract

Many studies have examined and reported how differently adept silkworms familiarize themselves with different climes and seasons. The current study assesses the production capabilities of two popular multivoltine silkworm strains at the Tepi Agricultural Research Center with multivoltine yellow, and mixed strains. Evaluation of economic traits and the interaction effect revealed that (GxS) single cocoon weight showed significant seasonal variations. Heterogeneous traits that showed significant differences include days to mounting and to cocoon harvesting during the wet season. Although there was little significant fluctuation in temperature observed over the study period, and great variation of humidity recorded up to 5.3, which along with other values and species, caused seasonal variations in traits such as cocoon weight.

Keywords

Eri silkworm, Samia ricini, Strains, Multivoltine, Economic traits, Interactions, Cocoons, Harvesting, Season, Biology, Performance, Humidity, Temperature