author(s)
Abinash Dutta, Jagneshwar Dandapat and Nakulananda Mohanty

abstract
The present study demonstrates the growth performance and antioxidant defenses of the tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta (II^nd instar larva), in response to feeding on Terminalia tomentosa leaves supplemented with different concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%) of ascorbic acid or glycine or their combination, for a period of 10 days. Supplementation of 1% ascorbic acid or glycine (individually or combined) was found to be more effective in enhancing the body weight of the larvae compared to control and other supplemented groups. It was also effective in decreasing the H₂O₂ and LPx levels in the larval tissues and in boosting the antioxidant status, as evident from increased activities of SOD and CAT enzymes. The present findings suggest that foliar supplementation of ascorbic acid or glycine enhances the growth rate and antioxidant capacity in the larvae of Antheraea mylitta which may improve the quality and quantity of silk production.