Effect of 20-Hydroxyecdysone on the Reproductive Potential of Multivoltine Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori Linn.)

The application of 20-hydroxyecdysone on Bombyx mori larvae has been proved to be a significance in the sericulture industry. Variation in the 20-hydroxyecdysone concentration significantly (P <0.05) influenced 1 the reproductive potential of B. mori in terms of fecundity, incubation period and hatchability of eggs. The fecundity and hatchability increased with the increasing number of larval treatment of 20, 40 and 60% ecdysone concentration. The maximum level of fecundity (470±2.20 eggs) and hatchability (97.22±1.35%) was noticed in case of triple treatment by 60% ecdysone concentration. The minimum incubation (7.35±0.62 days) was recorded in case of triple treatment by 60% ecdysone concentration showing good development of eggs. 20hydroxyecdysone hormone interactions if applied tactfully may be useful for boosting up the sericulture industry as well as the economy of silkworm rearing.