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<p>The eri silkworm, <i>Samia cynthia ricini</i> (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), is primarily reared on castor plants, despite being polyphagous. To meet growing demand, alternative host plants are needed for continuous production. While alternative hosts are mentioned in literature, studies on their impact on larval biochemical parameters are limited. In this study, we evaluated the use of <i>Plumeria rubra</i> (Gulancha) and <i>Manihot esculenta</i> (Tapioca) as alternative host plants for eri silkworms, comparing them with the primary host plant, <i>Ricinus communis</i> (Castor). We assessed key larval parameters during the 3rd, 4th and 5th instars, as well as pupal characteristics. The shortest larval duration was observed in larvae reared on Castor, while the longest was in those reared on Tapioca. The heaviest larval weight was recorded for Castor (11.54 ± 0.13&#xa0;g), followed by Gulancha (8.90 ± 0.01&#xa0;g) and Tapioca (6.94 ± 0.02&#xa0;g). Castor also exhibited the highest haemolymph carbohydrates, total haemocyte count, and protein content, followed by Gulancha and Tapioca. Notably, pupal weight was highest in Gulancha, followed by Castor and Tapioca. These findings suggest that Castor remains the most optimal host plant in terms of larval weight, haemolymph composition and growth. However, Gulancha is a viable alternative that supports healthy development, while Tapioca showed potential with slightly lower performance. Thus, Gulancha can serve as an effective and sustainable substitute for Castor in the continuous rearing system. Further research integrating the nutritional profiles of host plants could optimise rearing conditions, enhance silk production and promote sustainable eri silkworm rearing.</p>

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Study on the effect of alternate host plants on the growth and biochemical parameters of Samia cynthia ricini

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月11日

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  • Dipamani Sarma,
  • Bulbuli Khanikor,
  • Neha Sultana,
  • Ruma Saharia

摘要

The eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), is primarily reared on castor plants, despite being polyphagous. To meet growing demand, alternative host plants are needed for continuous production. While alternative hosts are mentioned in literature, studies on their impact on larval biochemical parameters are limited. In this study, we evaluated the use of Plumeria rubra (Gulancha) and Manihot esculenta (Tapioca) as alternative host plants for eri silkworms, comparing them with the primary host plant, Ricinus communis (Castor). We assessed key larval parameters during the 3rd, 4th and 5th instars, as well as pupal characteristics. The shortest larval duration was observed in larvae reared on Castor, while the longest was in those reared on Tapioca. The heaviest larval weight was recorded for Castor (11.54 ± 0.13 g), followed by Gulancha (8.90 ± 0.01 g) and Tapioca (6.94 ± 0.02 g). Castor also exhibited the highest haemolymph carbohydrates, total haemocyte count, and protein content, followed by Gulancha and Tapioca. Notably, pupal weight was highest in Gulancha, followed by Castor and Tapioca. These findings suggest that Castor remains the most optimal host plant in terms of larval weight, haemolymph composition and growth. However, Gulancha is a viable alternative that supports healthy development, while Tapioca showed potential with slightly lower performance. Thus, Gulancha can serve as an effective and sustainable substitute for Castor in the continuous rearing system. Further research integrating the nutritional profiles of host plants could optimise rearing conditions, enhance silk production and promote sustainable eri silkworm rearing.