UTILIZATION OF THE TOPICAL APPLICATION OF LIMONENE TO THE FIFTH INSTAR LARVAE OF THE SILKWORM, BOMBYX MORI (L.) (RACE: PM X CSR2) FOR THE PARAMETERS OF LARVAE, COCOON AND SILK FILAMENT

Author(s): Vitthalrao B Khyade, Vivekanand V Khyade and Randy Wayne Schekman

Abstract

The attempt is concerned with topical application of the limonene on the fifth instar larvae of multivoltine silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.). The ten microliters of one milligram per liter strength acetone solution of limonene was topically applied to the individual fifth instar larvae of multi voltine cross breed race of silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) (PM x CSR2) variously at 48, 54, 60 and 66 hours after the fourth moult. Topical application of acetone solution of limonene was found variously reflected into prolongation of larval age (23.129-38.775%); improvement in the tissue somatic index (TSI) of silk glands (3.041-7.761); cocoon shell ratio (2.828-4.497); Tex of silk filament (0.038-0.107) and denier scale of silk filament (0.343- 0.962). Topical application of acetone solution of limonene, thus chiefly lengthen the larval age in silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.). Time required for eating and amount of mulberry leaves eaten had both been increased and they were practically reflected into the improvement in the quality of cocoon and the silk filament. The terpenoid nature of limonene and delay in the spinning among the larvae, recipient of this limonene in the attempt indicate the possibility of it’s insect juvenoid activity in silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.). Efficient utilization of limonene, the terpene compound through acetone solvent for topical application to the fifth instared larvae of silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) may open a biotechnological avenue in the sericulture industries.

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