Enhancement of cocooning process in Bombyx Mori L. by Spinacia Oleracea and its effect on biological and economical characters [electronic resource].

Includes references.

One of the biggest problems encountered during silkworm rearing is the non-uniform larval maturation and synchronization of cocooning process at one time, which negatively affect the net cocoon production. The study was an attempt to use Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) as a source of phytoecdysteroid. Spinach can biosynthesize polypodine B and 20-hydroxyecdysone, which is the predominant insect - molting hormone. Mulberry leaves were dipped in two different concentrations of the aqueous extract of plant leaves (0.5% and 1 % ) and offered to larvae during different time periods of the fifth instar ( 24 hrs after 4th moult, 72, 120, 168 and every 48 hrs). The larval maturation events, cocooning process, as well as biological and economical characters for all tested larval groups were studied and compared the results with controls.

Summary in Arabic.

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