Effect of Nutrient Supplements on Economic Traits of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.: A Review

Silk is a fantastic fabric that is appropriately referred to as "The Queen of Textiles." Silk is the fabric that has captivated man for millennia more than any other. Silk is still the best fibre, even after it has been around for over 5000 years. A mature silkworm larva constructs its cocoon in the pre-pupation stage, creating natural silk, an insect-derived fibre. The silk generated by the silkworm Bombyx mori stands out as one of the natural fibres, renowned for being the most sought-after and luxurious natural fabric available. This textile fibre of animal origin is esteemed for its role in creating high-quality textiles. The mulberry silkworm plays a vital role in the economy, significantly impacting the country's development. Silkworm is an exceptionally sensitive insect that exclusively consumes mulberry leaves, demonstrating a monophagous feeding behaviour. Among other things, the success of silkworm farming depends on the provision of adequate nourishment. Nutrition is a vital physiological factor that influences silkworm growth, development, and silk production. The nutrition of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L., has been crucial in sericulture since it has been demonstrated that the nutritional value of mulberry leaves influences not only larval growth and survival but also cocoon and egg production. Biological and economic parameters of silkworm Bombyx mori are determined by the nutritional value of feed. Dietary supplements such as milk, honey, amino acids,vitamins, probiotics etc., are useful to maintain and improve the overall health and growth of the silkworm to obtain the good quality of cocoons to fetch a better price in the market. Therefore, enriching mulberry leaves by nutrient supplementation is one of the ways to improve growth rate in silkworm Bombyx mori. and commercial characters of cocoon.

In view of the above, the authors scanned and reviewed the literature on the significance of different nutrient supplements on the growth and development of silkworm Bombyx mori and commercial characteristics of cocoons.