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.
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