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Journal of Environmental Biology

pISSN: 0254-8704 ; eISSN: 2394-0379 ; CODEN: JEBIDP
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    Abstract - Issue Jan 2026, 47 (1)                                     Back


nstantaneous and historical temperature effects on a-pinene

Standardization of rearing protocol for sustainable Eri Silk production in India: A focus on Ricinus communis and Ailanthus grandis through age-stage, two-sex life table approach

 

D.S. Mahesh1,2*, K. Chandrakumara1,3, M.C. Keerthi4, K.P. Arun Kumar1 and K. Neog1     

1Silkworm Division, Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, Jorhat- 785 700, India

2CSB-Research Extension Centre, Gujrat (CSB-REC), CSB-CMER&TI, Ahmedabad- 380 004, India

3Agricultural Entomology, ICAR- National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management (NCIPM), New Delhi- 110 030, India

4Division of Crop Protection, ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru- 560 089, India

 

Received: 08 April 2025                   Revised: 09 July 2025                   Accepted: 15 October 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : maheshds.csb@gov.in                        *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0582-6330

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Aim: To standardize the rearing protocol for the Eri silk worm, Samia ricini (Donovan) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) by studying its life history traits.

Methodology: Fifty newly hatched larvae of S. ricini from disease-free layings were reared on leaves from four different host plants under controlled laboratory conditions. Observations were made on their developmental and reproductive traits. The life table parameters were constructed using the age-stage, two-sex life table method, and the analysis was conducted using the TWOSEX-MS Chart software.

Results: Highest fecundity was recorded on castor (350.16 eggs/ female), followed by borpat, Ailanthus grandis Baiu (Simaroubaceae) (315.16eggs/ female). The intrinsic rate of increase was higher on castor (0.10 female/females/day), followed by borpat (0.098/ female/females/day).  Similarly, the net reproductive rate is highest on castor (128.34 female/females/generation), followed by borpat (125.14/ female/females/day). The population doubles for every 6.92 days on castor and 7.26 days on kesseru, H. fragrans Roxb (Araliaceae). The fresh cocoon yield of 100 disease free laying’s larvae was highest on the castor, i.e., 78 kg, while it was 74.75 kg on the borpat.

Interpretation: This study suggests that using castor and borpat host plants, either alone or in combination, benefits Eri culture. For combination feeding, castor can be used up to the chawki stage, with borpat for later stages. This method could lower production costs compared to solely using castor, which needs annual replanting, especially in North-east India, where farmers grow host plants only for ericulture.

Key words: Ailanthus grandis, Castor, Demographic parameters, Eri silkworm, Kesseru, Ricinus communis, Tapioca 

 

 

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