Abstract

RELATIVE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FOOD PLANTS ON THE REARING PERFORMANCES OF Philosamia ricini Bsd. (SATURNIIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA)

Ekta Priyadarshini* and Pramod Kumar

Abstract

The present communication accounts for the relative impact of three different eri host plants on the relative rearing performances of eri silkworm, Philosamia ricini Bsd. in respect of productivity and quality of eri cocoons. Results obtained are indicative of the fact that the rearing performances of Philosamia ricini on Castor (Ricinus communis L.) as compared to Tapioca (Manihot utilissima Phol.) and Payam (Evodia flaxinifolia Hook) host plants are relatively and significantly better in respect of effective rate of rearing, cocoon weight, shell weight and shell ratio showing relatively better productivity and quality of eri cocoons. The result obtained appears to be the outcome of nutritive variation in the folier constituents of three different eri host plants.

Keywords: Philosamia ricini Bsd, Ricinus communis L, Manihot utilissima Phol, Evodia flaxinifolia Hook.