Efficiency of some plants powder mix as a dietary supplement for silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt

2 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt

Abstract

Bombyx mori L. is one of the most economically important insects because of its production of silk. In this study, we investigated the effect of four plants powder mix on larvae weight, silk gland weight, cocoon parameters and fecundity of moths in two hybrids (local and imported) of silkworm. The most desirable effects (increased final larvae weight by over 8.93%, silk gland weight by over 37.45%, cocoon shell weight by over 39.84% and No. of eggs by over 28.93%) was obtained by treatment of mulberry leaves with (M2) in local hybrid. Meanwhile in imported hybrid the most desirable effects (increased final larvae weight by over 3.75%, silk gland weight by over 51.29%. cocoon shell weight by over 22.17% and No. of eggs by over 55.87%) was got by treatment of mulberry leaves with (M3) and feed it to the larvae. According to the results, It can enrich the nutrient quality of mulberry leaves provided to the silkworm by adding such plant materials, which lead to raising the efficiency of larvae productivity, increasing the quantity and quality of cocoons, and then improving the production of silk.

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