Castor Genotypes on Rearing and Cocoon Parameters of Eri Silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini

A study was undertaken to evaluate the different castor genotypes for their suitability in eri silkworm rearing. Six castor genotypes along with control (using the mixed leaf) were evaluated by providing leaves of these genotypes throughout the larval stages. Eri silkworms nourished with leaves of PCH-111 (90.8%) and GCH-4 (89.9%) registered significantly higher effective rate of rearing (ERR) while, it was lower with control (79.9%). Similarly, PCH-111 genotype recorded higher cocoon weight (2.23g) and closely followed by GCH-4 with 2.13g. The eri worms fed on leaves of PCH-111 and GCH-4 were found superior in respect of shell weight (0.34g) and shell ratio (15.2 and 15.9% respectively) while, these were inferior with control (0.22g) and Kiran (11.8%). Eri pupae formed by the worms nourished with leaves of PCH-111 registered higher pupal weight (1.87g), closely followed by GCH-4 (1.79g) and the same was lower with Kranthi and control (1.57g). However, fecundity was higher with Haritha (361.9) and Kranthi (352.2) but the egg hatching was more with PCH-111 (99.2%), GCH-4 (98.9%) along with Haritha (97.5%) and Kranthi (98.1%).