Publication

Abstract : In insects, moults and metamorphosis are initiated and coordinated by the interplay of juvenile hormone (JH) and moulting hormone (MH). External application of plants extracts containing phytoecdysteroids (PE) is found to reduce the maturation process in s and synchronise it. Field level experiments were conducted to test the effects of PE isolated from the indigenous plants Diploclisia glaucescens (Blume) Diels (DG) and fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. (CS) on bivoltine double hybrids FC of silkworms. Synchronisation and significant reduction in maturation time by 12 h of silkworms was obtained on application of PE. A convenient method o analogue and PE extracts together on a single crop was also develop (Bombyx mori L.) positively responds to exogenous JH analogues and mimics when applied in minute quantities at appropriate time and thereby enhances the commercial traits. On application of JH analogueBackuchiol rich extract from another plant Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. (CC) produced an increase of 15 cocoon weight and shell weight. This technology is simple, affordable and could be scaled to industrial level.