author(s)
Fangleng Narzary and Dulur Brahma

abstract
In the present study, an attempt was made to rear Samia ricini on the leaves of Gmelina arborea and Ricinus communis (control) during four different seasons. The highest larval weight was recorded during summer (S2) for both R. communis (6.899 g) and G. arborea (5.310 g). The larval duration was found to be ranged from 26.67±1.789 to 40.78±1.719 days in G. arborea fed silkworms and 21.55±0.096 to 35.78±1.534 days in R. communis fed silkworm. The pupal duration was significantly longer in G. arborea (13.11±0.699 to 16±1 days) than in R. communis (11.11±0.699 to 13±0.084 days). No significant differences were recorded concerning the effective rate of rearing (%), emergence rate (%) and survival rate (%), cocoon weight (g), shell weight (g), shell ratio (%), fecundity (nos.) and hatchability (%). The growth period was recorded shorter during summer (S2) and autumn (S3) however the percentage of effective rate of rearing (%), emergence rate (%), and survival rate were higher during spring (S4) and autumn (S3). Therefore, it may be concluded that G. arborea can be a potential food plant for Eri silkworm S. ricini.