Studies on the Growth Rate of Silkworm Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Fed with Control and Silver Nanoparticles (AgNps) Treated MR 2 Mulberry Leaves

Abstract

To evaluate the growth rate of larval and pupal parameters of silkworm Bombyx mori fed with Silver Nanoparticles (AgNps) treated MR 2 mulberry leaves, the following works have been considered. The AgNp was synthesized by chemical reduction method, it was diluted by different concentrations such as 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (without dilution). Fresh mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) were sprayed by each concentration and were fed to silkworms, from 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th instar, five feedings/day. Group T 1 larvae received MR 2 mulberry leaves sprayed with distilled water and served as control, group T 2 , T 3 , T 4 and T 5 larvae received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% AgNps sprayed mulberry leaves, respectively. Silkworm larvae fed on M. alba (MR 2) leaves sprayed with 25% concentration of AgNps (group T 2) was significantly increased the larvae and cocoon length, width and weight as compared to those fed on control (group T 1) MR 2 mul-berry leaves and other groups (T 3 , T 4 and T 5). Hence, 25% AgNps dose was fixed as an effective dose. It has been observed from the present study that 25% AgNps treated (group T 2) leaves fed by silkworms have enhanced the larval and pupal growth and quantity of silk production than control.