Production of cocoon of <em>Bombyx mori</em> L. fed on leaves of <em>Morus aba</em> L. and on artificial diets

Abstract

The utilization of artificial diets in Japan is fact and in Brazil the work is beginning to search meeting a balance form to satisfy the silkworm necessity, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera). In such case, was tested two cultivars of mulberry in diets, to evaluate the quality of food trough mean cocoon weight and liquid silk. The larvae were separated in portion in the first instar begin and were to feed with diets and leaves “in nature”. When the silkworms were fed with leaves during five instars, showed cocoon weight high. When were fed diets in two inicial instars, showed that the silk liquid was good. The Miura variety is better in diets and leaves “in nature” for coccon weight.