Effect of Sericin and Honey on Economical and Biological Traits of Silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Effect of Sericin and Honey on Economical and Biological Traits of Silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Naila Shahzadi1, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir1*, Azizullah1, Muhamamd Farooq Bhatti2, Shaukat Ali1, Muhamamd Summer1 and Farman Ahmad Chaudhary3
ABSTRACT
In this study the effect of sericin (5%) and honey (3%) on economical and biological traits of Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) was recorded. The 5th instar (day 1) mulberry silkworms were divided into four groups of 20 each: namely a control and three experimental groups. Plain (untreated) mulberry leaves were offered to the control group while experimental groups were fed on the mulberry leaves treated with exogenous nutrients alone (5% sericin, 3% honey) and in combination (5% sericin + 3% honey). Results showed that the larval weight of G3 (3% honey) (134.95%) was 40.38% higher than control (96.13%). The significant difference was noted in the larval weight in both control and experimental groups. Cocoon weight (1.34 ± 0.05), shell weight (0.39 ± 0.04g), pupal weight (1.03 ± 0.04g) and shell ratio (22.61 ± 2.83) were found higher in G2 (5% sericin) larvae compared to the control (G1). Similar trend was observed in G3 (3% honey) for cocoon width (1.67 ± 0.03cm), cocoon length (2.98 ± 0.05), filament length (1310.89 ± 15.58m) and percentage of fibroin (85.57 ± 0.28) (with less percentage of sericin (18.61 ± 0.28%). Furthermore, lowest (finer) denier (1.82 ± 0.07) was recorded in G2 larval group fed with 5% sericin. It is concluded from this study that 3% honey and 5% sericin (solitary) have constructive effect on the biological and economical traits of B. mori.
Novelty Statement | The study is first of its kind of analysis for feed supplements of natural products such as sericin and honey have improved the quality and quantity of silkworm and silk cacoons.
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December 2022
Vol. 37, Iss. 2, pp. 93-182
