IJBPAS, May, 2013, 2(5): 1071-1082

ISSN: 2277–4998

ANALYSIS OF CORRELATION BETWEEN COMMERCIAL CHARACTERS

OF SILKWORM BOMBYX MORI L.

MAHESHA HB1*, GHASEMI KF1 AND THEJASWINI PH2

1: Department of Sericulture, Yuvaraja’s College, University of Mysore, Mysore-570 005, India
2: Department of Biotechnology, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Mysore-570 005, India
*Corresponding Author: E Mail: hbmseri@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Six pure silkworm breeds viz., Pure Mysore, Nistari, C. nichi, NB4D2, KA & CSR2 and three
hybrid (Pure Mysore x CSR2, Nistari x NB4D2 and KA x NB4D2 ) silkworms were used for the
present study. The silkworm rearing was conducted during pre monsoon, monsoon and post
monsoon seasons to get the mean values of selected commercial characters. The mean values of
commercial characters viz., fecundity, larval weight, larval duration, cocoon weight, shell weight,
shell ratio, filament length, denier and renditta were subjected to regression analysis with each
other individually to know the level of correlation coefficient between them. Of the 36 analysis,
21 traits clearly showed the positive correlation.
Keywords: Silkworm Bombyx mori, Commercial Characters, Correlation Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Ever since its inception, more than four the introduction of improved silkworm breeds
thousand years ago, Sericulture is playing an and more than 2000 races of silkworm are
important role in the economic life of man maintained in the germplasm banks of several
[1]. To improve the quantity and quality of countries [2]. In conventional breeding, the
silk, many attempts are being made to parental selection and performance prediction
improve the silkworm stocks through genetic is on the basis of either their performance [3]
manipulation. The silkworm breeding or performance of the progeny [4, 5]. The
programmes have contributed substantially by correlation between yield and biochemical

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Mahesha HB et al
parameters [6], genetic variability for egg
characters [7]; pupal size to fecundity and silk
yield [8]; larval silk gland and shell weight
[9]; commercial characters with protein [10],
amylase [11], esterase [12], alkaline
phosphatase [13] succinate dehydrogenase
[14] were reported. However, correlation
studies between commercial characters are
rather scarce. Hence, the present investigation
was undertaken.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six pure silkworm breeds viz., Pure Mysore,
Nistari, C. nichi, KA, NB4D2 & CSR2 and
three hybrid (Pure Mysore x CSR2, Nistari x
NB4D2 and KA x NB4D2) silkworms were
selected for the present investigation. The
silkworm rearing was conducted during pre
monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon
seasons in the laboratory following the
method described by Krishnaswamy [15, 16].
All experimental batches were maintained in
triplicate. In each replication 500 larvae were
kept after third moult. The commercial
characters selected for present study included
fecundity, larval weight, larval duration,
cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio,
filament length, denier and renditta. For
evaluation of selected traits standard protocols
were followed.
The experimental data were statistically
analyzed through SPSS by one way ANOVA
IJBPAS, May, 2013, 2(5)
Research Article
[17], Scheffe’s post hoc test [18] and linear
regression analysis using the formula Y=
bx+a [19] wherever they were applicable.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The summary of the commercial characters
studied during pre monsoon, monsoon and
post monsoon seasons of the year are
presented in the Table 1. From the table it is
very clear that the bivoltine breeds are
superior and multivoltine silkworms are
inferior when compared to productivity traits.
Whereas the hybrid silkworms exhibited mid
parental value for the selected commercial
characters. The results of statistical analysis
revealed that the variation in fecundity of the
selected silkworm breeds is significant at
0.1% (P<0.001). The same trend was
observed in all the selected commercial
characters of the experimental sets. The
results of regression analysis between
commercial characters are presented in the
Figures 1 to 36. From the results of
regression analysis it is very clear that the
fecundity exhibited highly positive correlation
with larval weight (R2=0.680), cocoon weight
(R2=0.643), shell weight (R2=0.564), shell
ratio (R2=0.506) and filament length
(R2=0.557). Whereas denier (R2=0.223)
exhibited moderately positive correlation.
However, the larval duration exhibited almost
neutral status (R2=0.001) with fecundity. The
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renditta exhibited strong negative correlation among the selected commercial characters.
with fecundity. The larval weight revealed From the present study, it could be said that
strong positive correlation with cocoon these characters had inherent association with
2 2
weight (R =0.771), shell weight (R =0.817), each other i.e., of the 36 analysis, 20 traits
shell ratio (R2=0.801), filament length exhibited highly strong positive correlation
(R2=0.772) and denier (R2=0.385). However, coefficient (R2 = >0.5) and remaining traits
the larval weight exhibited negative maintained either moderately positive,
correlation with larval duration (y= - negative or neutral status. As the success of
17.65x+635.4) and renditta (y= - breeding work is largely depends on the
2.389x+17.45). The larval duration exhibited selection of parents, the information gathered
negative correlation with all the characters. from this work will helps to know the kind
The cocoon weight showed highly strong and degree of correlation between the
correlation coefficient with shell weight commercial characters as well as their
(R2=0.929), shell ratio (R2=0.857), filament effective selection. Also, the knowledge of
length (R2=0.970) and denier (R2=0.712). But, correlation among various commercial
cocoon weight showed strong negative characters is one of the important parameters
correlation with renditta (y=-7.10x+20.12). in breeding programmes. Therefore, the
The shell weight exhibited highly strong information generated from this study may be
positive relationship with shell ratio used during the selection process in the
(R2=0.982), filament length (R2=0.911) and breeding programmes for new breeds of
2
denier (R =0.774) only. The shell weight silkworm Bombyx mori with better economic
exhibited highly negative correlation with characters.
renditta (y= -21.52x+15.36). The shell ratio ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
also, revealed highly strong correlation with Authors wish to thank University of Mysore
filament length (R2=0.855) and denier for extending the facilities to carry out this
(R2=0.771) only. The filament length showed work.
2
strong correlation with denier (R =0.701) REFERENCES
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Mahesha HB et al Research Article

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L., Annals of Biol. Res., 3 (11), 2012, [16] Krishnaswami S, Improved method
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No.2., 1978, 1-23.

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Table 1: Mean Values ± SD of Nine Commercial Characters in Nine Breeds of Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Commercial Traits Fecundity Larval Larval Cocoon Shell Shell Ratio Filament Denier Renditta
Weight Duration Weight Weight (g) (% ) Length
Silkworm (g) (h) (g) (m)
Breeds
Pure Mysore 467.22±10.96 2.01±0.06 660±10.39 1.02±0.07 0.12±0.01 12.57±0.49 426.44±19.83 1.77±0.09 11.77±0.82
Nistari 485.11±5.30 2.83±0.06 564.88±10 1.14±0.07 0.15±0.01 13.41±0.87 435.66±17.21 1.78±0.07 13.26±0.24
C. nichi 376+ 18.06 2.14±0.05 537±28.16 0.890±0.0 0.114±0.02 12.8±0.947 390±18.22 1.88±0.08 14.12±0.23
CSR2 509.10±16.58 4.07±0.05 578.88±6.45 1.81±0.05 0.43±0.01 24.02±0.18 1011.99±12.3 2.93±0.22 5.78±0.23
NB4D2 520.55±16.65 4.16±0.05 576.67±11.1 1.76±0.03 0.35±0.01 20.27±0.15 1020±29.96 2.48±0.06 8.34±0.47
KA 518± 14.21 4.08±0.07 561±23.89 1.694±0.04 0.343±0.02 20.24±0.17 992±28.12 2.46±0.08 8.22±0.22
Pure Mysore x CSR2 466.66±11.52 2.68±0.07 610±11.10 1.67±0.02 0.28±0.01 17.29±0.21 910±18.74 2.75±0.06 7.64±0.12
Nistari x NB4D2 490.77±6.81 3.46±0.04 557±10.21 1.47±0.02 0.23±0.01 16.06±0.85 805.99±12.4 1.83±0.02 9.22±0.85
KA x NB4D2 528±15.13 4.12±0.05 552±10.44 1.864±0.03 0.390±0.02 20.9±0.36 1015±14.33 2.5±0.04 8.1±0.36

NOTE: Values are the Mean± SD of Pre Monsoon, Monsoon and Post Monsoon Observations; The Variation Between the Races is Statistically
Significant at 0.1 % (P<0.001)

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5 700

Larval Duration (h)

Larval Weight (g)
4 650
600
3
550
2
500
1 y = 0.015x - 4.306 y = 0.034x + 560.8
R² = 0.680 450 R² = 0.001
0 400
350 400 450 500 550 350 400 450 500 550
Fecundity (No.) Fucndity (No.)

Figure 1: Correlation between fecundity and larval Figure 2: Correlation between fecundity and larval
weight duration

2 0.5
y = 0.001x - 0.668
Cocoon Weight (g)

0.4 R² = 0.564

Shell Weight (g)

1.5
0.3
1
0.2
0.5 y = 0.006x - 1.603 0.1
R² = 0.643
0 0
350 400 450 500 550 350 400 450 500 550
Fecundity (No.) Fecudity (No.)

Figure 3: Correlation between fecundity and cocoon Figure 4: Correlation between fecundity and shell
weight weight

30 1200
y = 4.481x - 1393.
Filament Length (m)

25 1000 R² = 0.557
Shell Ratio (%)

20 800
15 600
10 400
y = 0.062x - 12.86
5 200
R² = 0.506
0 0
350 400 450 500 550 350 400 450 500 550
Fecundity (No.) Fecundity (No.)

Figure 5: Correlation between fecundity and shell Figure 6: Correlation between fecundity and
ratio filament length

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3.1 16
y = 0.004x + 0.043
2.9 14
R² = 0.223
2.7 12

Renditta
2.5 10
Denier

2.3 8
2.1 6
1.9 4 y = -0.042x + 30.38
1.7 2 R² = 0.507
1.5 0
350 400 450 500 550 350 400 450 500 550

Fecundity (No.) Fecundity (No.)

Figure 7: Correlation between fecundity and denier Figure 8: Correlation between fecundity
and renditta

700 2
600
Larval Duration (h)

Cocoon Weight (g)

500 1.5
400
1
300
200 y = -17.65x + 635.4 0.5 y = 0.367x + 0.274
100 R² = 0.177 R² = 0.771
0 0
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5

Larval Weight (g) Larval Weight (g)

Figure 9: Correlation between larval weight and larval Figure 10: Correlation between larval weight and
duration larval weight

0.5 30
y = 0.122x - 0.134 y = 4.153x + 3.870
0.4 R² = 0.817 25 R² = 0.801
Shell Weight (g)

Shell Ratio (%)

20
0.3
15
0.2
10
0.1 5
0 0
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 0 2 4 6
Larval Weight (g) Larval Weight (g)

Figure 11: Correlation between larval weight and shell Figure 12: Correlation between larval weight and
weight shell ratio

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1200 3.5
Filament Length (m) 1000 3
2.5
800

Denier
2
600 1.5
400 1 y = 0.317x + 1.222
y = 277.8x - 133.6 0.5
200 R² = 0.385
R² = 0.772 0
0
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5
Larval Weight (g)
Larval Weight (g)

Figure 14: Correlation between larval weight and

Figure 13: Correlation between larval weight and
denier
filament length

16 2
14

Cocoon Weight (g)

12 1.5
Renditta

10
8 1
6
4 y = -2.389x + 17.45 0.5 y = -0.001x + 2.344
2 R² = 0.568
R² = 0.022
0 0
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 500 550 600 650 700
Larval Weight (g) Larval Duration (h)

Figure 15: Correlation between larval weight and Figure 16: Correlation between larval duration and
renditta cocoon weight

0.5 y = -0.000x + 0.661 30 y = -0.024x + 31.52

R² = 0.044 25 R² = 0.048
0.4
Shell Weight (g)

Shell Ratio (%)

20
0.3
15
0.2
10
0.1
5
0 0
500 550 600 650 700 500 550 600 650 700
Larval Duration (h) Larval Duration (h)

Figure 17: Correlation between larval duration and Figure 18: Correlation between larval duration and
shell weight shell ratio

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1200 y = -1.336x + 1550. 3.5

Filament Length (m) 1000 R² = 0.031 3
800 2.5

Denier
2
600
1.5
400
1 y = -0.000x + 2.417
200
0.5 R² = 0.000
0 0
500 550 600 650 700 500 550 600 650 700
Larval Duration (h) Larval Duration (h)

Figure 19: Correlation between larval duration and Figure 20: Correlation between larval duration and
filament length denier

16 0.5
14 y = 0.312x - 0.194
0.4 R² = 0.929

Shell Weight (g)

12
Renditta

10 0.3
8
6 0.2
4 y = -0.004x + 12.19
0.1
2 R² = 0.003
0 0
500 550 600 650 700 0.5 1 1.5 2
Larval Duration (h) CoCoon Weight (g)

Figure 21: Correlation between larval duration and Figure 22: Correlation between cocoon weight and
Renditta shell weight

30 1200
y = 10.27x + 2.296
Filament Length (m)

25 1000
R² = 0.857
Shell Ratio (%)

20 800
15 600
10 400
5 y = 745.0x - 323.9
200
R² = 0.970
0 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 0.5 1 1.5 2
Cocoon Weight (g) Cocoon Weight (g)

Figure 23: Correlation between cocoon weight and Figure 24: Correlation between cocoon weight and
shell ratio filament length

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3.5 16
3 14
2.5 12

Renditta
10
Denier

2
8
1.5
6
1 4
y = 1.032x + 0.736 y = -7.108x + 20.12
0.5 R² = 0.712 2 R² = 0.877
0 0
0.5 1 1.5 2 0.5 1 1.5 2
Cocoon Weight (g) Cocoon Weight (g)

Figure 25: Correlation between cocoon weight and Figure 26: Correlation between cocoon weight and
denier renditta

30 1200
y = 33.96x + 8.424

Filament Length (m)

25 R² = 0.982 1000
Shell Ratio (%)

20 800
15 600
10 400
y = 2228.x + 182.5
5 200 R² = 0.911
0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
Shell Weight (g) Shell Weight (g)

Figure 27: Correlation between shell weight and shell Figure 28: Correlation between shell weight and
ratio filament length

3.5 16 y = -21.52x + 15.36

3 14 R² = 0.844
2.5 12
Renditta

10
Denier

2
8
1.5
6
1 4
y = 3.322x + 1.375
0.5 R² = 0.774 2
0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Shell Weight (g) Shell Weight (g)

Figure 29: Correlation between shell weight and Figure 30: Correlation between shell weight and
denier renditta

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1400 3.5
Filament Length (m)
1200 3
1000 2.5

Denier
800 2
600 1.5
400 1
y = 63.03x - 324.8 y = 0.096x + 0.569
200 0.5 R² = 0.771
R² = 0.855
0 0
10 15 20 25 10 15 20 25
Shell Ratio (%) Shell Ratio (%)

Figure 31: Correlation between shell ratio and Figure 32: Correlation between shell ratio and denier
filament length

16 y = -0.618x + 20.44 3.5

14 R² = 0.819 3
12 2.5
Renditta

10
Denier
2
8
6 1.5
4 1 y = 0.001x + 1.209
2 0.5 R² = 0.701
0 0
10 15 20 25 200 700 1200
Shell Ratio (%) Filament Length (m)

Figure 33: Correlation between shell ratio and Figure 34: Correlation between filament length and
renditta denier

16 16
y = -0.009x + 16.94 y = -5.388x + 21.80
14 14
R² = 0.882 R² = 0.755
12 12
Renditta

10
Renditta

10
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
200 700 1200 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Filament Length (m) Denier

Figure 35: Correlation between filament length and Figure 36: Correlation between denier and renditta
renditta

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