Study on the response of Eri Silkworm on Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) plants in Saran District of Bihar.

Out of all four varieties of silkworms, only the mulberry (Bombyx mori) and Eri-silkworm (Samia ricini) can be reared indoor while Tasar (Antheraea mylitta) and Munga (Antheraea assamensis) are wild in nature. The Eri-silkworm (Samia ricini) is traditionally reared on Castor (Ricinus communis) and Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) leaves. However alternative host plants are being explored to improve silkworm production and sustainability. The present study investigates the response of Eri silkworm on Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) plants in Saran district of Bihar. The experiments have been conducted in the premises of Zila school, Chapra, Bihar. DFL (eggs) were collected from Andi Resham Farm, Begusarai District of Bihar. 5% Formaldehyde used to wash eggs to remove gummy excretal substance and 2% Formaline used to avoid any infection. bleaching powder used to disinfect rearing room and its surrounding. The research assesses the response of this alternative diet on larval growth, cocoon quality, silk yield compared to traditional host plants. Parameter such as larval weight, Survival rate, pupation period and cocoon weight were analyzed to determine the suitability of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) plants for Eri-Silkworm. Preliminary findings suggest that while cauliflower leaves can sustain Eri-Silkworm, variations in growth, performance and silk qualities were observed. The results provide insight into the potential of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) as a supplementary or alternative food for Eri-Silkworm (Samia ricini) rearing in Saran District of Bihar contributing to sericulture diversification and rural economic development.