Cocooning with Cassava: Exploring the commercial rearing and seed production potential of Samia ricini Donovan on different Cassava varieties

Abstract Different cassava varieties’ differential preferences and performance of eri silkworm Samia ricini (Donovan), seed cocoon rearing and its reproductive performance were studied. In the current study, seven foliage rich cassava varieties were selected and evaluated as feed for Samia ricini in comparison with the primary food plant castor (NBR1). The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. A significant difference was observed in rearing performance of eri silkworms when fed to leaves of different cassava varieties. Majuli var fed worms recorded mature larval weight (7.01 ± 0.62); pupation percentage (95.93 ± 0.37),effective rate of rearing (81.76 ± 1.24%), single cocoon weight (3.96 ± 0.17g), pupal weight (3.44 ± 0.21g) better than all the other varieties of cassava used for rearing followed by Sree Raksha and Tura. Shell ratio percentage of all cassava varieties were on par with control. Based on the eri seed production data, cassava varieties Majuli and Sree Raksha were found to be much superior to all other foliage-rich cassava varieties considered for the study. Overall, the better-performing varieties on par with control are as follows Majuli, Sree Raksha and Tura. These varieties can be recommended for the farmers in Assam for eri cocoon production besides tuber production.