Improvement in the Commercial Traits of Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. by Administration of a Juvenoid, R394

A synthetic juvenoid, R394 (Ethyl 9-cyclohexyl-3, 7-dimethyl-2, 4-nonadienoate) which is known to be a strong pest control agent was administered to silkworm, Bombyx mori L. in minute quantity for improving the silk yield. Based on the result of an earlier preliminary screening, three concentrations of the compound, viz., 0.1563, 0.3125, 31.25 nl/ml were prepared in the form of an emulsion and administered topically as a single dose, to separate batches of $5^{th}$ instar silkworm at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs to determine the required concentration and critical time of application for an economically favourable response. Two popular commercial silkworm hybrids, PM ${\times}$ NB4D2 (multivoltine${\times}$bivoltine) and KA${\times}$NB4D2 (bivoltine$\times$bivoltine) were subjected to the experiment. The medium and absolute control were maintained in parallel to compare the results. The results showed that 0.3125 nl/ml was the best concentration of the compound and 72 hrs of $5^{th}$instar was the most favourable age for its administration to get the maximum improvement in the commercial traits. The possible role of exogenous juvenoids in eliciting favourable response in silkworm which ultimately leads to improvement in the commercial traits is discussed.