Nutrition has an important role in improving growth and development of the silkworm
Bombyx mori L. Although B. mori L. larvae are normally reared on mulberry leaves (Morus alba),
those can be successfully reared on leaves of alternate plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the effect of alternate plants, namely grapes leaves, Bougainvillea glabra, Lettuce sativa, Lantana
camara and Ficus retusa with different concentrations of mulberry leaves powder aiming to increase
the silk and egg production of Bombyx mori L., and also to improve low nutritional value of autumn
rearing season. The results showed that treatment of mulberry leaves powder with grape leaves at 1
and 2% concentrations resulted high consumption of food. That was followed by lettuce leaves and
Bougainvilleg leaves. While, lantana camara and Ficus retusa leaves caused the least consumption of
food. It was also found that, grapes and lettuce leaves caused significant increases in all the tested
biological and physiological parameters during autumn season. Also, the new alternate food produced
healthy cocoons and increased of eggs production. Meanwhile, the alternate plants lantana comara and Ficus retusa were the least efficient treatments. |
