EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MICRO- CLIMATES DURING MOULTING ON THE ECONOMIC CHARACTERS OF SILKWORM, BOMBYX MORI (L.)
CH. SATHYANARAYANA RAJU *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE,MYSORE - 570 008, INDIA
S. NATARAJAN *
DEPARTMENT OF SERICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU
K. V. ANANTHA RAMAN *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE,MYSORE - 570 008, INDIA
G.R. SHIVAKUMAR *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE,MYSORE - 570 008, INDIA.
B. SURENDRANATH *
CENTRAL SILK BOARD, BANGALORE - 560 001, INDIA
N.B. VIJAYA PRAKASH *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE,MYSORE - 570 008, INDIA
R.K. DATTA *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE,MYSORE - 570 008, INDIA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fourbivoltine breeds namely NB4D2, NB18, KA and NB7 were subjected to different micro-climates during moulting in different seasons. The results indicated that T-1 (28°C and 60% RH) treatment is ideal eco- limate for the better larval growth, shorter moulting duration, high survival, shell weight and shell ratio. The present study also indicated that low humidity (60% RH) and high temperature (28°C) are the most ideal ones for moulting. Good productivity of silkworm can be obtained in winter when compared to other seasons.