Investigations on the reproductive efficiency and progeny fitness of Tetrastichus howardi as influenced by Multivoltine races of Bombyx mori L.

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.93.22

Abstract:
Sericulture is a vital agro-based industry in India, contributing significantly to the economy and rural livelihoods, with approximately 9.5 million individuals, including a large number of women, employed in the sector. The cultivation of mulberry (Morus alba) is integral to silkworm rearing, which directly influences silk productivity and farmer income. However, the industry faces challenges from many pests. Diaphania pulverulentalis (leaf roller), one of the major pest which causes substantial crop loss. This study investigates the potential of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, focusing on biological control through parasitoids such as Tetrastichus howardi, to mitigate pest damage while safeguarding silkworms for pesticides. The reproductive performance of T. howardi was evaluated on different multivoltine silkworm races, including Pure Mysore, Nistari, HB6, BL6, MO6, and MCon. The findings indicate that certain silkworm races, such as Pure Mysore and Nistari, are more conducive to the mass multiplication of T. howardi, with MO6 exhibiting the highest progeny production. The results underscore the potential of utilizing multivoltine silkworms as alternate host for mass multiplication of T. howardi.

Keywords:
Sericulture, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Biological Control, Tetrastichus howardi, Multivoltine Silkworms.

Article Info:
Received: 16 May 2024; Received in revised form: 17 Jun 2024; Accepted: 24 Jun 2024; Available online: 30 Jun 2024

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