TERMINALIA CATAPPA - A POTENTIAL NEW HOST OF PHILOSAMIA RICINI ERI SILKWORM UNDER WESTERN MAHARASHTRA CONDITION

An attempt was made to rear the eri silkworm, Philosamia ricini on the leaves of Terminalia catappa (Badam) for the first time in India and reared under laboratory condition. It was observed that the badam is a potential new host of eri silkworm. The growth parameters and cocoon characters of the eri silkworm reared on badam leaves were normal. The eri silkworm successfully lasted its life cycle ranged from 47 to 53 days. The effective rate of rearing, weight of pre-spinning larvae, cocoon, shell and pupae ranged from 90 to 95 per cent, 7 to 9 g, 3.02 to 3.10 g, 0.45 to 0.50 g, 2.60 to 2.90g, respectively. Parameters such as length of cocoon shell, width of shell, peduncle, shell thickness etc. The fecundity ranged from 400 to 425 eggs. The finding of badam as a potential new host for eri silkworm has opened new vistas in promoting vanya silk industry.