Improvement in cocoon yield induced by phytojuvenoid on the multivoltine mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori Linn.)

Impact of phytojuvenoid on commercial parameters in Bombyx mori, a monophagous insect, was studied. The variation in the phytojuvenoid concentration significantly influenced the length of cocoon and the number of larval treatment did not cause significant influence on the length of cocoon of B. mori. The length of cocoon increased from 2.88 cm (control) to the maximum level of 3.65 cm in 30% phytojuvenoid concentration - triple treated larvae and the volume of cocoon increased with increasing the number of larval treatment from single to triple in 10, 20 and in 30% phytojuvenoid concentration and the volume was highest (3.48 ml) in 30% phytojuvenoid concentration at triple treated larvae. The results show that topical application of bioactive phytojuvenoid improved the commercial parameters in B. mori. Key words: Phytojuvenoid, silk producing potential, larvae, Bombyx mori, larval treatment.