Evaluation of some promising strains of Eri Silkworm, Samia ricini in climatic condition of Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra
Lokesh N Wankhade*, Himangshu D Barman1, Manoj M Rai2 and Mohan K Rathod2
*Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Model Arts, Commerce and Science College, Karanja (Gh) District Wardha (India) lokesh.wankhade@gmail.com 09890401081. 1Scientist, Regional Eri Research Station, Central Silk Board, Govt. of India, Ministry of Textiles, Mendipathar (India) 2Scientist, Centre for Sericulture & Biological Pest Management Research, Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur (India)
ABSTRACT
The evaluation of 4 promising strains of eri silkworm viz Greenish Blue Zebra (GBZ), Yellow Zebra (YZ), Yellow Plain (YP) and Greenish Blue Plain (GBP) was done under the climactic condition of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The origin of eri silkworm is in the climatic conditions of North East Region of India. The Climatic condition of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra is different from the source of origin of eri silkworm. These eri silkworm strains are quite different from each other both in morphology (colour polymorphism) and genetic traits. The evaluation was done considering various parameters i. e. Cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, larval duration, ERR %, fecundity and life cycle duration. The Greenish Blue Zebra (GBZ) and Yellow Zebra (YZ) show better performance in the all economic characters, fecundity and better adaptability than Yellow Plain (YP) and Greenish Blue Plain (GBP) in the climatic condition of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.