Early stage indoor tray rearing of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) – a comparative study in respect of larval characters

Abstract :

Hatched larvae from 25 dfls of Muga silkworm were simultaneously reared indoor on wooden tray device up to 2nd instar and outdoor providing Som and Soalu leafs as feed throughout one year representing all rearing seasons. Larval weight, larval duration and larval survival were studied in respect of indoor and outdoor rearing on Som-Soalu host plants. Hatched out larvae differ in weight according to seasons highest observed 0.007g per larva during Sept.-Oct. rearing season and lowest being 0.005g per larva during March-April and Nov.-Dec. The larval weight of different instars does not depend upon initial larval weight and size and weight of eggs, depend upon environmental temperature. Larval weight, larval duration and larval survival were found different from each other in Som and Soalu leafs from their indoor and outdoor counterparts. Indoor rearing on detached twigs in wooden tray does not vary mark ably from outdoor rearing on trees. Climatic conditions are the most important factors to be considered in Muga silkworm cultivation regardless of indoor or outdoor rearing


Keyword :

Indoor, Outdoor, Rearing, Som, Soalu, Wooden tray, Larvae, Instars, dfls


Author(s) : Barman, H., Rana, B.
Downloads : 2084
Published Issue : 2011 Vol. 6 Number 1


2011 Vol. 6 Number 1