Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 23, No.

4, 2007

THE EFFECT OF THREE DIFFERENT MULBERRY VARIETIES ON

PERFORMANCE OF THREE DIFFERENT Bombyx mori L. RACES
Syed Ishfaq Ali Shah*, Imtiaz Ali Khan*, Zahid Hussain**,
Shakeel Ahmad* and Maaz Ahmad***

ABSTRACT
Three silkworm races including Chinese, Japanese and F1 (Korean) were studied when fed with three mulberry
varieties including Husang China, Japan Early and Chinese Evergreen under laboratory conditions of 25+2oC,
70+10% RH and 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod at the Sericulture Wing of Forest Department, Shami Road, Peshawar
during 2004-05. The interaction between races x varieties was found significant for larval, pupal and adult
durations. Minimum larval (29.50 days), pupal (3.50 days) and adult (1.25 days) duration was noted in Chinese
race on variety Husang China, while maximum larval (39.25 days), pupal (11.0 days) and adult (5.0 days)
duration in F1 (Korean) race fed on variety Chinese Evergreen. Among the races and varieties individually, the
results of larval, pupal and adult survival percentage was significantly different for both the B. mori races and
mulberry varieties. The larval, pupal and adult duration individually was also significant for the races and
varieties. The highest (36%) protein content was observed in Husang China variety. The Chinese race fed with
Husang China mulberry variety exhibited the best performance due to the highest protein content.

Keywords: Bombyx mori, Mulberry, Silkworm, Varieties

INTRODUCTION
Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae) is the
common silkworm. B. mori undergoes complete
metamorphosis, i.e. its life cycle passes through
four stages including egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Sericulture is the science of rearing silkworm for
the commercial production of raw silk and includes
the operations, which are required for the
production of silk fiber (Krishnaswami et al. 1973).
Besides silk used in manufacturing of cloth, it is
also used in making of surgical sutures, artificial
blood vessel, tire lining, parachute, electric
insulating material, oil, protein and artificial
vitamins; even its waste material (excreta) is used
as artificial diet for animals and as green manure
for crops (Ishfaq and Akram, 1999).
Due to their higher organic content, B. mori excreta
can be used as manure, and as poultry and fish
feed. Being rich in nitrogen it is also mixed with
biomass for maximum biogas production and
mushroom cultivation (Somanna and Reddy, 1996).
Sericulture is practiced in all the four provinces of
our country; however, the main activity of natural
silk production is practiced around the irrigated
forest plantation of Changa Manga, Kamalia,
Chichawatni and Multan in Punjab province
(Anonymous, 1990).
B. mori adults are creamy white in color with faint
brownish lines. They rarely fly and usually live
only for a few days. Each female lays 300-500
eggs. The eggs hatch in about 12 days. When used
for commercial purpose, the pupae are killed before
the adults emerge, otherwise the emergence of the
moths break the fibers into pieces. Each cocoon is
composed of single thread of about 914m long.
About 3000 cocoons are required to make a pound
of silk (Borror et al. 1981). B. mori classification
may be based on native regions, the number of
generation in a year, i.e. voltinism, or even the
number of larval moults. B. mori are also classified
according to the rearing period, body markings or
pattern, body color of freshly hatched larva, body
color of mature larva, color of cocoon or color of
egg (Gopal, 1994).
The B. mori is host specific insect and feeds only
upon leaves of mulberry (Morus species) to make
cocoon as its protective layer. Substance that attract
the B. mori larvae to the leaves have been identified
as citral, linalyl, acetate, linalool, terpinyl acetate
and hexenol, the first three being more effective.
Betasitosterol along with some sterols and water-
soluble substance is the main factor which during
feeding stimulates the biting action of B. mori
(Anonymous, 1976). Qader et al. (1992)
investigated the nutritive effects of leaves of three
mulberry varieties on larval growth and cocoon
characters of three B. mori races. The result
revealed that mature larval weight, single cocoon
weight, shell weight, shell percentage and length of
filament were greatly influenced by the nutritive
value of different mulberry leaves.
Different species of mulberry may have
compositional differences and might lead to
varying effects on B. mori growth and silk
productions (Mahmood et al. 1987). The growth
rate of B. mori larvae and subsequent silk
production depend mainly on the nutrient contents

*
Department of Entomology, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar - Pakistan
**
Department of Weed Science, NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar - Pakistan
***
Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar - Pakistan
Syed Ishfaq Ali et al. The effect of three different mulberry varieties on…
of mulberry leaves. Fukuda (1960) reported that
about 70% of the silk protein produced by the B.
mori is directly derived from the protein contents
of mulberry leaves. The nutritive value of mulberry
leaves varies due to species and leaf maturity of the
plant. Keeping in view the above-mentioned
importance of B. mori and sericulture, the
experiments was conducted with the objective to
study the effects of three mulberry varieties on the
performance of three B. mori races.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research was conducted at the Sericulture
Wing of Forest Department, Shami Road,
Peshawar DURING 2004-05 in which three B.
mori races i.e. Chinese, Japanese and F1 (Korean)
were reared each on three mulberry varieties i.e.
Husang China, Japan Early and Chinese Evergreen
under laboratory conditions at 25+2oC temperature
and 70+10% RH up to 5th larval instar in a 15 x 14
ft rearing room. There were 9 experimental units (3
races x 3 varieties) replicated 4 times. Each
experimental unit comprised of a rearing tray,
which had 50 larvae of 1st instar.
The rearing room was white-washed and fumigated
with sulphur dioxide gas. Rearing trays, stands,
Days Humidity
1-3 70-75 %
4 75-80 %
5-6 80-85 %
Till Hatching 80-85 %
Two days before the expecting date of hatching all
the eggs laid on cards were wrapped in wax paper
to avoid the mixing of races. After hatching the
larvae of each race were brushed with the help of
white hen feather and transferred into general tray.
Before brushing, the newspaper was placed at the
bottom of each rearing tray, which was moist and
covered with plastic sheet to conserve humidity.
Temperature and R.H. was recorded with the help
of Hygro-thermometer.
The data were collected on the following
parameters: Life cycle duration (days) i.e. larval,
pupal and adult duration and protein content. The
data on protein content was taken by the Micro-
Kjildahl method in the lab of Biochemistry
Department.
Statistical Analysis
The data were analyzed using MSTATC computer
software (Steel and Torrie, 1980).
1086
incubator and all other tools were disinfected with
Formaldehyde (2%) solution. Six hundred larvae of
1st instar were selected from the bulk of each race
of B. mori. Wooden trays with size of 20 cm x 32
cm were used for rearing of 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars,
while 60 cm x 75 cm for 4th and 5th instars larvae.
The orders of the trays were changed daily.
Chopped mulberry leaves of each variety were
provided 5 times daily at the interval of 3-5 hours.
First feed was given at 6 am while last feeding was
at 10 pm daily.
1st and 2nd instar larvae were fed with 1st and 2nd
leaves starting from the tip of the branch and
chopped double in size of larvae. During 3rd, 4th
and 5th instars they were fed with full leaves. Bed
change was carried out two times in 2nd instar, 3
times in 3rd instar and daily during 4th and 5th
instars. Nets with meshes of various sizes were
used for cleaning. The larvae were highly dusted
before the first feed with (3%) bleaching powder
during active stages. During molting or sleeping
stage, the larvae were not fed or dusted.
For incubation the eggs of Chinese, Japanese and
F1 (Korean) races were kept in incubator under the
following climatic conditions.
Light (Lux) Temperature
30-50 15 oC
30-50 20 oC
30-50 23-24 oC
30-50 25-26 oC
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIOIN
Lifecycle Duration of three B. mori Races on the
three Mulberry Varieties
Larval Duration
Table I indicated the results of the larval duration
of the three B. mori races on three mulberry
varieties. Mean larval duration of Chinese race of
B. mori 29.50, 33.50 and 37.50 days fed on
mulberry varieties Husang China, Japan Early and
Chinese Evergreen respectively. Similarly in case
of Japanese race the larval duration was 30.50,
34.50 and 38.25 days on the respective mulberry
varieties and 31.50, 35.50 and 39.25 days on these
respective varieties of mulberry in F1 ( Korean)
race of B. mori. Longest larval duration was
recorded from feeding on Chinese Evergreen
variety followed by Japan Early and then Husang
China. Similarly, the maximum larval duration was
noted in F1 (Korean) race and Japanese race (being
non significant from one another) followed by
Chinese race.
The results regarding the larval duration of the B.
mori races were significantly different. The highest
larval duration (35.42 days) was noted in F1
(Korean) race. Among the varieties, the larval
duration was also significantly different, where
Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 23, No. 4, 2007
highest larval duration was recorded in Chinese
Evergreen. The results also showed significant
interaction between mulberry varieties and B. mori
races. Where highest larval duration was notated in
F1 (Korean) race fed with variety Chinese
Evergreen. Moldoveanu (1972) reported B. mori
had a larval duration 25-29 days. Krishnaswami et
al. (1973) found that larval duration lasted for 20-
24 days in case of multivoltine races in tropical
areas or 24-28 days in case of univoltine races in
temperate areas. Ahmad (1987) also reported that
larval duration of B. mori was 24-25 days in case of
bivoltine races and 20-23 days in multivoltine
races. He further reported that fifth stage was
completed in 7-8 days in case of bivoltine races.
The reason behind the lower larval duration in the
present experiments might be due to the highest
protein content of the mulberry variety due to
which the development showed down. The quick
body development minimizes the larval duration,
which in turn increases the silk production. In
contrast the maximum larval duration may be
because of the lowest protein content.
Pupal Duration (days)
Table II indicated the results of the pupal duration
of the three B. mori races on three mulberry
varieties. Mean pupal duration of Chinese race of
B. mori 3.50, 5.75 and 9 days fed on mulberry
varieties Husang China, Japan Early and Chinese
Evergreen respectively. Similarly in case of
Japanese race the pupal duration was 4.50, 6.75 and
10 days on the respective mulberry varieties and
5.50, 7.75 and 11 days on these respective varieties
of mulberry in F1 ( Korean) race of B. mori.
Longest pupal duration was recorded from feeding
on Chinese Evergreen variety followed by Japan
Early and then Husang China, while in B. mori
races the maximum pupal duration was recorded in
F1 (Korean) race followed by Japanese and Chinese
race of B. mori.
The results, of the pupal duration of the B. mori
races were significantly different. The lowest (6.08
days) pupal duration was recorded in Chinese race,
while highest (8.08 days) pupal duration in F1
(Korean) race. The larval duration was also
significantly different among the mulberry varieties
individually, where lowest pupal duration was
obtained in variety Husang China while highest in
Chinese Evergreen. The interaction effect was
significant between mulberry varieties and B. mori
races, where highest pupal duration was notated in
F1 (Korean) race fed on variety Chinese Evergreen.
Previous authors have reported variations in pupal
period of B. mori i.e. pupal period depended upon
the temperature and lasted for 14 days (Yokoyama
1961), 10-12 days pupal period, (Metcalf and Flint
1962), mentioned 15-18 days (Moldoveanu 1972),
1087
8-10 days pupal period for multivoltine races and
10-12 days for univoltine races (Krishnaswami et
al. 1973). The minimum pupal duration may
probably be the highest protein content of the best
mulberry variety, which minimizes the larval
duration, and vice versa.
Adult Duration (days)
Table III indicated the results of the adult duration
of the three B. mori races on three mulberry
varieties. Mean adult duration of Chinese race of B.
mori 1.25, 2 and 3 days fed on mulberry varieties
Husang China, Japan Early and Chinese Evergreen
respectively. Similarly in case of Japanese race the
adult duration was 2.25, 3 and 4 days on the
respective mulberry varieties and 3.25, 4 and 5
days on these respective varieties of mulberry in F1
( Korean) race of B. mori. Longest adult duration
was recorded from feeding on Chinese Evergreen
variety followed by Japan Early and then Husang
China, while in B. mori races the maximum adult
duration was recorded in F1 (Korean) race followed
by Japanese and Chinese race of B. mori.
The results for the adult duration of the B. mori
races were significantly different. The lowest (2.08
days) adult duration was recorded in Chinese race
while highest (4.08 days) adult duration in F1
(Korean) race. The adult duration was also
significantly different among the mulberry
varieties, where adult duration was obtained in
variety Husang China while highest in Chinese
Evergreen. The results also showed significant
interaction between mulberry varieties and B. mori
races. The least adult duration was recorded in
Chinese race feeding on variety Husang China,
while highest adult duration was notated in F1
(Korean) race feeding on variety Chinese
Evergreen. The results are in similarity with those
reported by Yokoyama (1961) who stated that B.
mori adult life was 4-6 days. Moldoveanu (1972)
stated that average adult period was 5-8 days at the
common room temperature in summer and it varied
with increase or decrease in temperature. Craioiu
and Craioiu (1975) reported 5-8 days adult duration
of B. mori moth.
The reasons for the variation in adult duration
might be due to the fact that variations in races,
varieties and environmental conditions occurred
between the present and earlier experiments in the
mulberry varieties.
Protein Content of the three Mulberry Varieties
Mulberry varieties Husang China, Japan Early and
Chinese Evergreen were tested in the laboratory for
the protein value. Highest protein (36%) was
observed in Husang China followed by Japan Early
(26%), and the lowest in Chinese Evergreen (21%).
Syed Ishfaq Ali et al. The effect of three different mulberry varieties on… 1088

Percent Protein
The highest (36%) protein content was observed in
variety Husang China, followed by Japan Early and
Chinese Evergreen. The Chinese race fed with
Husang China mulberry variety exhibited the best
performance due to the highest protein content as
compared to the mulberry varieties Japan Early and
Chinese Evergreen. Qader et al. (1992) reported
28-31%, while Hafiz (1992) 26-33 % protein
content in different mulberry varieties. Variations
in protein content in mulberry varieties are
understandable as a large number of soils,
environmental and genetic factors influence it.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The performance of the three Bombyx mori races to
three mulberry varieties was studied in the
Sericulture Wing of NWFP Forest Department,
Shami Road, Peshawar. The duration for the larval,
pupal and adult stage of the B. mori races were
found significantly different. The highest larval
(35.42days), pupal (8.08 days) and adult (4.08
days) duration was recorded in F1 (Korean) race.
Among the varieties significantly highest larval
(38.33days), pupal (10.0 days) and adult (4.0 days)
duration was recorded in Chinese Evergreen
variety. The results of interaction experiment of
races x varieties were also significant where
highest larval (39.25 days), pupal (11.0 days) and
adult (5.0 days) was notated in F1 (Korean) race
feeding on variety Chinese Evergreen. Chemical
analysis of the varieties for protein content showed
highest (36%) protein content in variety Husang
China. The Chinese race fed with Husang China
mulberry variety exhibited the best performance
due to its highest protein content.

Table-I: Mean larval duration (days) of B. mori races reared on three mulberry varieties
Mulberry Varieties
B. mori Races Husange China Japan Early Chinese Evergreen Means of
Races
Chinese race 29.50 e 33.50 c 37.50 a 33.50 b
Japanese race 30.50 de 34.50 bc 38.25 a 34.42 ab
F1 (Korean) race 31.50 d 35.50 b 39.25 a 35.42 a
Means of Varieties 30.50 c 34.50 b 38.33 a
Means followed by different letters are significantly different at 0.05 level of probability using LSD test.
LSD value at 0.05 level of probability for interaction = 1.944; for races = 1.123 for varieties = 1.123

Table-II: Mean pupal duration (days) of B. mori races reared on three mulberry varieties

Mulberry Varieties Means of

B. mori Races Husange China Japan Early Chinese Evergreen Races
Chinese race 3.50 g 5.75 de 9.0 b 6.08 c
Japanese race 4.50 fg 6.75 cd 10.0 ab 7.08 b
F1 (Korean) race 5.50 ef 7.75 c 11.0 a 8.08 a
Means of Varieties 4.50 c 6.75 b 10.0 a
Means followed by different letters are significantly different at 0.05 level of probability using LSD test.
LSD value at 0.05 level of probability for interaction = 1.160; for races = 0.669 for varieties = 0.669

Table-III: Mean adult duration (days) of B. mori races reared on three mulberry varieties
Mulberry Varieties Means of
B. mori Races Races
Husange China Japan Early Chinese Evergreen
Chinese race 1.25 e 2.0 d 3.0 c 2.08 c
Japanese race 2.25 d 3.0 c 4.0 b 3.08 b
F1 (Korean) race 3.25 c 4.0 b 5.0 a 4.08 a
Means of Varieties 2.25 c 3.0 b 4.0 a
Means followed by different letters are significantly different at 0.05 level of probability using LSD test.
LSD value at 0.05 level of probability for interaction = 0.418; for races = 0.241 for varieties = 0.241
Sarhad J. Agric. Vol. 23, No. 4, 2007
Table-IV: Percent protein content of three mulberry varieties under test.
Mulberry varieties
Husang China
Japan Early
Chinese Evergreen
Source: Sericulture Wing of NWFP Forest Department, Shami Road Peshawar.
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