Assessing Prospective Bivoltine Hybrids of Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.): A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

It is well-known fact that hybrid selection plays a critical role in the success and sustainability of sericulture operations. Therefore, evaluating bivoltine hybrids in a region like Jammu and Kashmir (JK) serves specific purposes to the local economy and agricultural practices. In this context, the study was undertaken for one season to assess and evaluate the performance of bivoltine silkworm hybrids as potential hybrids best suitable for subtropical conditions of Jammu Division of JK. Eleven bivoltine silkworm single hybrids were selected for the study along with double hybrid check. The performance of these hybrids was evaluated based on a cumulative index i.e., E.I. value, which considered various positive traits related to egg, larval, cocoon and post-cocoon parameters. Among the twelve selected single bivoltine hybrids including check double hybrid, FC1×FC2 (59.84) which is double hybrid ranked 1st. Following the top ranked double hybrids other bivoltine single hybrids viz., PO3× ND5 (57.48), U-3×U-1 (55.77), U-4×U-6 (54.97), JD6×U-6 (51.47) and ND3 × NSP (50.84) scored cumulative E.I. value greater than 50 for positive traits and have been recognized as superior hybrids in term of egg, larval, cocoon and post cocoon parameters.