Ziziphus jujuba - a potential host of tropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta - Kolhapurensis (Kavane) (Lepidoptera-Saturniidae) under Western Maharashtra condition

ABSTRACT

The rearing of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta kolhapurensis on the leaves of Ziziphus jujuba (Ber) reared under indoor rearing condition for the first time in India. It is a small deciduous tree or shrub reaching a height of 5–12 mt. (16–39 ft), usually with thorny branches. The leaves are shiny-green, ovate-acute, 2– 6.5 cm. (0.79–2.76 in) wide and 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) broad, with three conspicuous veins at the base, and a finely toothed margin. And it belongs to the Rhamnaceae plant family. It was observed that the ber is a potential host of tropical tasar silkworm. The growth parameters and cocoon characters of the tasar silkworm reared on ber leaves were normal. The tasar silkworm successfully lasted its life cycle ranged from 55 to 65 days. The effective rate of rearing, weight of pre-spinning larvae, cocoon, shell and pupae ranged from 20 to 30 per cent, 20 to 30 g, 8 to 10 g, 0.90 to 1.10g, 8 to 9 g, respectively. Parameters such as length of cocoon shell, peduncle, width of shell, peduncle, shell thickness etc. the fecundity ranged from 135 to 140 eggs. The finding of ber as a potential host for tropical tasar silkworm has developed for raw silk production.

Keywords: Indoor rearing, Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta kolhapurensis, Ziziphus jujuba (Ber)  

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