• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.39-44
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• 2011

To evaluate the growth rate of larval and pupal parameters of silkworm Bombyx mori fed with Silver Nanoparticles (AgNps) treated $MR_2$ mulberry leaves, the following works have been considered. The AgNp was synthesized by chemical reduction method, it was diluted by different concentrations such as 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (without dilution). Fresh mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) were sprayed by each concentration and were fed to silkworms, from $3^{rd}$, $4^{th}$ and $5^{th}$ instar, five feedings/day. Group $T_1$ larvae received $MR_2$ mulberry leaves sprayed with distilled water and served as control, group $T_2$, $T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$ larvae received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% AgNps sprayed mulberry leaves, respectively. Silkworm larvae fed on M. alba ($MR_2$) leaves sprayed with 25% concentration of AgNps (group $T_2$) was significantly increased the larvae and cocoon length, width and weight as compared to those fed on control (group $T_1$) $MR_2$ mulberry leaves and other groups ($T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_5$). Hence, 25% AgNps dose was fixed as an effective dose. It has been observed from the present study that 25% AgNps treated (group $T_2$) leaves fed by silkworms have enhanced the larval and pupal growth and quantity of silk production than control.