Silkworm Seed Cocoon Production: Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Silkworm Egg Production

Sericulture, Silkworm (Bombyxmori L.; Bombycidae) rearing and cultivation of mulberry for the production of natural silk in the form of cocoons has been utilized as an important industry in tropical and temperate regions of the world. The study was undertaken to evaluate the adaptability of silkworm lines under stress environment with reference to seed cocoon production. Eleven inbred silkworm lines were exposed to various rearing conditions in laboratory as well as field conditions during autumn and spring season.The Evaluation Index values showed that some of the silkworm lines are commercia lly viable and need to be used in developing silkworm hybrids for better cocoon production.The study also emphasizes on the rearing of silkworm lines under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity for seed cocoon production.