Studies on Growth and Morphometrics in Bombyx mori (L.) Fed on Morus alba: Insights for Enhanced Sericulture
Kishore S. M
*
Department of Entomology, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India.
B.C Hanumanthaswamy
Department of Entomology, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India.
Soumya B R
Department of Entomology, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study investigates the morphometric and biological parameters of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.), reared on Morus alba under controlled laboratory conditions at the College of Agriculture, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. Observations from 25 individuals per stage revealed progressive increases in body dimensions across developmental stages, with fifth instar larvae showing the maximum length (59.35 mm) and breadth (7.09 mm). Cocoon and pupal measurements averaged 3.19 × 1.82 cm and 1.91 × 0.79 cm, respectively. Adult females were consistently larger than males in wingspan, body length and breadth. The egg incubation period averaged 9.00 ± 1.41 days with a high hatching percentage (93.30%). The complete life cycle ranged between 54 to 56 days depending on sex. Female fecundity averaged 334.55 eggs. Environmental parameters such as temperature (29.7°C) and humidity (60.1%) were closely monitored. The results aligned with previous studies and reinforce the influence of host plant quality and environmental control on silkworm growth, reproduction, and silk yield.
Keywords: Silkworms, preoviposition period, sex ratio, longevity, mulberry and morphometry