Influence of Supplementation of Zea Mays Flour on the Growth and Economic Traits of Silkworm, Bombyx Mori L.(PFD)

Abstract

Studies were  carried  out  on  the  impact  of supplementation of Zea mays flour on  silkworm  Bombyx mori  belonging  to double hybrid variety (PFD).  The 3^rd,4^th 5^th  instars    larvae  were  feed  with  leaves  supplemented  with different concentrations of Zea mays flour.  Maximum  larval  weight  was  observed in  5^th instar  larvae  in 10% Treatment (4.59±0.31g )  and  5% Treatment (3.98±0.23g ) as compared  to  the control (3.13± 0.14g ).Mulberry leaves  treated with Zea mays flour  protein (10%)fed  larvae  recorded a  maximum  cocoon weight (2.32±0.07g),  pupal weight (1.53±0.12g) shell weight (0.42±0.02g) , shell ratio (24.55±0.62%)  silk filament length  (851.11±6.94m)  silk filament  weight (0.51±0.04g). Shell  ratio  in this treatment  (10%)  showed  an  increase of 18.38 %  over  control filament  length  21.64% . Larvae fed with mulberry  leaves  enriched with  Zea mays flour  protein  showed  significant  enchancement  in  economic characters of Bombyx mori was  traced.