Entomology Unit, Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Bisra Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi-834 006 Bihar (India).
The extent of season-wise heterotic expression in respect of silk productivity of commercial hybrids, viz., N x G, N x OS-616 and their reciprocals in tropical condition of West Bengal was studied. Analysis of experimental data revealed that N x G and its reciprocal cross exhibited significant positive heterotic effect over mid and better parent values in favourable i.e., Falgooni (January-February) cocoon crop season. On the other hand, in unfavourable i.e., Jaistha (May-June) crop season, significant positive heterotic effect over mid and better parent values was noticed in N x OS-616 and its reciprocal cross. This will justify season-wise utilization of silkworm hybrids under West Bengal conditions.
