Comparative Evaluation of Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Medicinal Plants on Growth Performance of Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

Sericulture is an important agro-based industry that plays a significant role in rural livelihoods, especially in developing countries like India. The productivity and quality of silk depend largely on the health and nutrition of silkworms, which can be enhanced through natural and sustainable means. The present investigation studied the effects of various medicinal plant extracts on the growth and development of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. The study was conducted at the College of Temperate Sericulture, SKUAST-K, Mirgund during the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023. The study utilized completely randomized design with 48 treatment combinations involving six medicinal plants Viz; Viscum album, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Ocimum basilicum, Ammi copticum and Thymus vulgaris. Two extraction methods (methanolic and aqueous) and three concentrations (1%, 1.5% and 2%) along with a control were used to carry out the study. Results indicated that methanolic extracts particularly of Curcuma longa at 2% concentration significantly enhanced larval weight (46.52 g), reduced larval duration (170.43 hours) and improved cocoon weight (1.945 g) and shell weight (0.438 g) as well as effective rate of rearing than control where no treatment was given. The improved performance is attributed to the bioactive phytochemicals with antimicrobial and growth-promoting properties present in the plant extracts especially by using methanol as solvent. The study concludes that dietary supplementation of mulberry leaves with selected medicinal plant extracts, especially C. longa, is a promising eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to enhance silkworm health, yield and silk productivity in sericulture.