Seasonal Performance, Correlation and Heritability Analysis in Some of the Characters of Nistari Lines of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Mulberry sericulture is one of the important agro industries of West Bengal. Nistari, the multivoltine race, plays an important role in Mulberry sericulture of West Bengal. Nistari Marked and Plain lines are exploited as parental components in developing crossbreeds and Multi x Multi hybrids. The present study has attempted to record the economic traits of the Nistari lines in different seasons and also to evaluate the correlation and heritability study, which will be helpful for future breeding programmes.   The study was conducted during 2024-25 at CSRTI, Berhampore, West Bengal, India. Three replications were retained with 300 larvae in each replication. Pupation rate was calculated for all the replications by shaking each cocoon gently for a live pupal sound. Correlation and heritability were calculated using the statistical software/tool called D X D STATFIELD. A dramatic difference in the economic traits like cocoon weight, shell weight, and filament length was not observed; different values of the economic traits in favourable and unfavourable seasons could be observed in the study.  There exists an interrelationship among different traits of the silkworm, which is calculated as correlation. Positive correlations were observed between Cocoon weight vs Cocoon shell weight, Cocoon shell weight Vs Cocoon shell ratio, Cocoon weight vs Filament length. Negative correlation was observed between Cocoon weight Vs Cocoon shell ratio. Estimation of the heritability of traits in silkworms is useful for breeding purposes. High heritability was detected in the economic traits under study. The findings of the study in Nistari lines will be helpful for future breeding and improvement programmes.