Determining the time required to ensure mating in bivoltine silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

The silkworm is an economically important insect known for its uniqueness in silk production. Oviposition is an important aspect of insect seed production which needs in-depth study. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mating period on the fecundity, egg fertility and performance of bivoltine silkworm. Adult males and females were allowed to mate for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours respectively. The eggs laid by the mother moth were acid treated, incubated and hatched larvae were reared following standard protocol. The treatments were replicated 5 times and laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected on female fecundity, egg fertility, larval and pupal weights, larval survival and cocoon parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separate using DMRT (P