IMPACT OF ZINC SMELTER EFFLUENT ON THE FOOD BUDGETS AND ITS UTILIZATION IN PM, CB AND NB4D2 RACES OF SILKWORM BOMBYX MORI (L).

Abstract

Abstract: The effect of growing Morus alba, the sole food of silkworm Bombyx mori (L) with different dilutions of Zinc smelter effluent was studied. The food budget parameters considerably effected as the concentration level of Zinc smelter effluent increased from 5% to 15% concentration in the silkworm races of Pure Mysore race, NB4D2 and CB race. The test races of the silkworm Bombyx mori displayed manifold decrease in growth at each instar level. The larvae continued to feed and grow on the mulberry leaf raised on 5% concentration, 10% and 15% concentration level of Zinc smelter effluent. From the maximum weight at control the growth reduced as a function of dilution to reach minimum at 15% concentration.