Developmental and Physiological Evaluation of Digloti (Litsea salicifolia) as a Potential Host Plant of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis): A Pioneer Study

Abstract

The Muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis, is extensively recognised for its production of the distinctive golden Muga silk. Nevertheless, its reliance on a limited range of host plants, primarily Persea bombycina (Som) and Litsea monopetala (Soalu), presents significant concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of Muga sericulture under evolving climatic and ecological conditions. The present study provides the first comprehensive assessment of Digloti, Litsea salicifolia, as a prospective alternative host plant within Muga sericulture systems. Physiological analyses of L. salicifolia revealed high nitrogen content (2.4%), total chlorophyll (1.9 mg/g), and moisture content (70.1%), indicating favourable nutritional quality for larval development. The rearing performance of A. assamensis larvae on Digloti was assessed in terms of larval growth rate, instar duration, cocoon weight, shell ratio, and silk filament length. Results showed a survival rate of 89.6%, average cocoon weight of 5.1 g, shell ratio of 12.3%, and filament length of 510 m; comparable to those obtained with traditional hosts. The seasonal stability of leaf quality, together with the plant’s adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, further highlights its potential suitability. Consequently, Litsea salicifolia demonstrates considerable promise as a sustainable supplementary host plant capable of reducing pressure on existing resources while strengthening the resilience of Muga sericulture systems. Future investigations should focus on field-level validation, the optimisation of propagation techniques, and the integration of this species into agroforestry systems to support its large-scale adoption and utilisation.