STUDIES ON PROGRESSION GROWTH FACTOR FOR ERI SILKMOTH, SAMIA RICINI DONOVAN (LEPIDOPTERA: SATURNIIDAE)

Abstract

The Progression Growth Factor was studied for Eri silkmoth, Samia ricini Donovan by rearing the larvae on the leaves of four food plants (Castor, Ricinus communis; Kesseru, Heteropanax fragrans; Tapioca, Manihot utilissima and papaya, Carica papaya) at 26-280C temperature and 60-85% relative humidity. It was observed that the values of Progression Growth Factor were almost at par for castor and kesseru leaves indicating that growth was similar on both of the host plants. The value was lesser for tapioca leaves than castor and kesseru. However, the larvae could not complete their life cycle on papaya leaves.