Evaluation of mulberry varieties as feeding for silkworms (Bombyx mori) in Hidalgo, Mexico

Abstract

The study was conducted in September 2011 in the laboratory for silkworms located at the Polytechnic University of Francisco I. Madero in the municipality of Francisco I. Madero, Hidalgo. A proximate analysis of three varieties of mulberry (Morus sp.) was performed: SLP5, SLP3 and Kanva. Using a completely randomized design with three treatments and two replicates, the varieties of mulberry were evaluated as feeding for 6 populations of 500 silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) of the Kinshu Showa race. The effect of the feeding on technical and production indicators in the larval and pupal stages was assessed. We determined the proximate analysis components of mulberry leaves: dry matter, protein, fiber, ether extract and ash. In the larval stage we studied mortality, weight, length and thoracic diameter. In the pupal stage we analyzed the weight of the cocoon with and without chrysalis, the weight of the chrysalis, cocoon production, shape and size. The results of the proximate analysis indicate that the protein percentages in the three varieties are over 20%, with the SLP5 and Kanva varieties having the highest value, and the SLP3 variety the lower protein content (p> 0.05).In the larval stage, the larvae fed with the Kanva variety gained more weight, length and thoracic diameter; however, the populations fed with the SLP3 variety had a lower mortality rate, higher cocoon production, larger cocoons, and a larger amount of elliptical cocoons. The SLP5 variety produced heavier cocoons.