Genetic variability studies in Eri silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan) of North Eastern Region of India

Abstract

Three eri silkworm breeds namely SRI-001, SRI-010 and SRI-024 have been identified as the most promising for the agro climatic conditions of North Eastern region of India. Breed SRI-010 showed the highest cocoon yield (20.88 kg) followed by SRI-024 (20.01kg) and SRI-001 (18.82 kg). Cocoon yield is positively is correlated with larval period (0.201), effective rate of rearing (0.302) and fecundity (0.668) and negatively correlated with cocoon weight (–0.061), cocoon shell weight (–0.002). Genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) and Phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) showed closeness for the characters like ERR, cocoon yield and hatching indicated minimal influence on the expression of these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (GA) percent mean and high GCV in traits shown in cocoon yield, hatching percentage and pupal weight.