INFLUENCE OF ABIOTIC FACTORS ON SEED (EGG) PRODUCTION OF MUGA SILKWORM (ANTHERAEA ASSAMA) WESTWOOD IN THE TERAI REGION OF WEST BENGAL, A NEWLY EXPLORED AREA

Indrajit Biswas

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted in the Terai region of West Bengal to identify conditions favourable for higher productivity of better-quality seed (egg) for commercial crop rearing in the Terai region of West Bengal, a newly explored area of mugaculture. Results revealed that abiotic factors like temperature, humidity, and photoperiod directly affected the pupal period, emergence period, mating period, and oviposition period of muga silkmoth (Antheraea assama Westwood). A shorter pupal period was observed when the temperature was high. High relative humidity along with high temperatures during July-August prolonged the emergence period. Photoperiod had a greater influence on mating and oviposition periods, longer dark periods increased both mating and oviposition periods. October-November was the best period for egg production (293.67 No. of eggs) when temperature and humidity ranged from 27.90°C-26.90°C (max) and 18.90°C-14.80°C (min)and 78.10% - 76.40%. The pupal period, emergence period, mating period, and oviposition period were 17.83 days, 1.22 min., 17.83 hrs., and 6.67 days respectively. July and August were found most adverse months for egg production (188.67 No. of eggs) due to high temperature, high humidity, and longer photoperiod coupled with heavy rainfall.

Keywords: temperature; humidity; photoperiod; muga silkworm; fecundity.