Exploring the impact of food plants on the life cycle of Samia ricini: A study on Eri silkworm rearing
Md. Akib Hussain and Shehnaz Siddika Rasid
The North-Eastern region of India boasts a rich and proud Seri cultural legacy, where a diverse ecosystem of sericigenous insects thrives and giving rise to a vibrant silk culture. Among the remarkable silk-producing species found here are the Eri (Samia ricini Donovan), Muga (Antheraea assamensis Helfer), Oak Tasar (Antheraea proylei Jolly), and Mulberry silk (Bombyx mori Linn.). At the heart of this silk-producing ecosystem are the visually captivating Eri silkworm larvae, known for their polyphagous nature as they consume a diverse range of host plants. Among them, the Castor plant (Ricinus communis) plays a pivotal role as the primary food source. However, in times of food scarcity, the Eri silkworms display remarkable adaptability by surviving on select non-host plant species, known as secondary and tertiary host plants. To gain deeper insights into the dynamics of Eri silkworm feeding, a comprehensive study has been undertaken to explore the acceptance of two commonly available alternative food plants, Gamari (Gmelina arborea) and Papaya (Carica papaya), during the rearing period. The study specifically investigates the impact of independent feeding of castor and sequential feeding of castor, gamari, and papaya on the life cycle duration of Samia ricini. Key objectives include determining the life cycle duration under different feeding scenarios and assessing the survival rate across various feeding conditions. By unraveling the intricate relationship between food plants and the life cycle of Samia ricini, this experimental study sheds crucial light on the potential benefits of alternative food sources for Eri silkworm rearing.
Md. Akib Hussain, Shehnaz Siddika Rasid. Exploring the impact of food plants on the life cycle of Samia ricini: A study on Eri silkworm rearing. J Entomol Zool Stud 2024;12(1):33-37. DOI: 10.22271/j.ento.2024.v12.i1a.9276