Effect of Honey (Apis dorsata [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) on Larval Growth and Silk Cocoon Yield of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the influence of 2% aqueous honey (Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793 [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) on larval growth and silk cocoon yield of fifth-instar larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). The larvae of silkworms (Chinese HUAKAND2) were divided into a control and an experimental groups (n = 20 in each group). Control group was fed with plain mulberry leaves throughout the fifth instar, whereas the experimental group was offered mulberry leaves dipped in 2% aqueous solution of honey every other day for 4 d (days 1, 3, 5, and 7). On the other days (days 2, 4, 6, and 8), plain mulberry leaves were offered to larvae. Results showed that the average weight gain in larvae of the experimental group was 348.23 and 204.54% in case of the control group. Uneaten mulberry leaves were weighed; the control group left 34.05% of their leaves and the treated group 28.54%. The cocoon formation in the honey-treated larvae was more uniform in shape than the control group. Furthermore, honey-treated larvae began to form cocoons 7.8 ± 0.23 h earlier than the control group. We also recorded an increase of 15.34% in average weight of cocoons of the experimental group when compared with the control. Average shell percentage of fresh silk cocoons of the control and experimental groups was 20.5 and 23.5%, respectively. It is concluded from the study that 2% aqueous honey has positive impact on the larval growth and cocoon yield of B. mori.

Applicability of Honey on Silkworms (Bombyx mori) and Quality Improvement of Its Biomaterials

“…Nevertheless, after days 3, 5 and 7, differences could be observed between the two groups. Specifically, the experimental group left fewer uneaten leaves than the control group, suggesting that Bombyx mori has a predisposition for eating honey-enhanced leaves [30].…”

“…The treatment was applied for 4 days. Specifically, the larvae of silkworms received honey-dipped mulberry leaves on days 1, 3, 5 and 7, and on days 2, 4, 6 and 8, they received just mulberry leaves [30]. Surprisingly, in the first instance, after day 1, the silkworms included in the experimental group did not consume more mulberry leaves than the control group.…”

“…Furthermore, higher weight gain was observed in the experimental group, particularly of 348.23%, than in the other group that exhibited a weight gain of 204.54%. When it came to cocoon parameters, by dipping the mulberry leaves in an aqueous honey solution, it was observed that Bombyx mori formed the cocoon earlier, but also it was noticed that the cocoon shape was more uniform and the weight was higher in the experimental group [30].…”

Effect of Lactic Acid Supplementation on the Growth and Reproduction of Bombyx mori (Lepidopteria: Bombycidae)

“…The artificial diet of silkworms generally comprises mulberry leaf powder, defatted soybean powder, corn powder, mulberry green branch powder, cellulose, molding agents, vitamins, preservatives, and inorganic salt, which can adapt to the feeding characteristics of silkworms and meet the nutritional needs of silkworms. Currently, most of the improvements are aimed at improving the nutritional composition of the artificial diet ( Saviane et al 2014 , Shifa 2016 , Bhatti et al 2019 ). Shifa (2016) found that supplementation of 10% Zea mays flour significantly increases silkworm larval weight, cocoon weight, and cocoon shell weight compared to controls ( Shifa 2016 ).…”

“…Shifa (2016) found that supplementation of 10% Zea mays flour significantly increases silkworm larval weight, cocoon weight, and cocoon shell weight compared to controls ( Shifa 2016 ). Additionally, Bhatti et al (2019) found that adding 2% aqueous honey enhances larval growth and the silk cocoon yield ( Bhatti et al 2019 ).…”