Comparative performance of cocoon and associated traits in bivoltine silkworm (bombyx mori l.) genotypes during different seasons

Twelve bivoltine silkworm Bombyx mori L. genotypes viz., SKAU-R-1, SKAU-R-6, SKUAST-28, SKUAST-31, CSR2, CSR4, CSR18, CSR19, NB4D2, SH6, DUN6 and DUN22 were studied for their performance during spring and summer seasons of 2012 and 2013. The data generated in respect of different traits was pooled separately and analyzed statistically. The results revealed that during spring, significantly higher estimates for larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and filament length were registered by SKAU-R-1. However, during summer significantly higher estimates for larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and filament length were recorded for SKAU-R-6. Significantly highest yield by number was recorded for SKAU-R-1 during both the seasons. The results of the study revealed that SKUAR-1 and SKUAR-6, performed significantly higher for all the traits under study in both spring and summer seasons. The study also revealed that irrespective of seasons the values for these traits were marginally higher in spring than summer season. Thus, SKUAR-1 and SKUAR-6 have potential to be used in future breeding programmes to boost bivoltine silk production under temperate climatic conditions of Kashmir.