Effect of Feeding of Different Maturity Level of Mulberry Leaves on the Commercial Characteristics of Bombyx mori L. during Dry Summer in West Bengal

Abstract

The Study Evaluated the Effect of Feeding of Different Maturity Level of Mulberry Leaves, I.e., Tender, Medium, Mix and Mature Leaves on the Commercial Characteristics of Crossbreed (Ní—NB₄D₂) during Dry Summer in West Bengal. the Data Obtained during the Study was Compared with those of Control where Conventional Leaf Feeding Method was Followed. most of the Larval and Cocoon Characters, Viz., Larval Weight, Effective Rate of Rearing, Cocoon Weight, Shell Weight and Shell Ratio Percentage, Etc., were Recorded Significantly Higher in Tender Leaves Fed Batches Followed by Medium Leaves Fed Batches. Significantly Higher Post Cocoon Parameters, Viz., Average Filament Length, Nonbreakable Filament Length, Renditta and Raw Silk Recovery Percentage, Etc., were Recorded in Tender Leaf Fed Batches. Qualitative Analysis of Leaves also Suggested that Tender Leaves are more Nutritious than other Maturity Level of Leaves. Mature Leaves Fed Batch Showed Inferior Performance in Terms of all the Characters. the Present Experiment also Revealed that 20% of Tender Leaves can be Saved Particularly in Dry Summer, which are Generally Clipped by Sericultural Farmers in West Bengal in Late Larval Instar before Providing Mulberry Shoots to Silkworm Larvae.