Cassava, <i>Manihot esculenta</i> Crantz Dual Use for Food and Eri‐Silkworm ( <i>Samia cynthia ricini</i> Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Rearing

Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital staple crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Using cassava both as human food and as feed for eri‐silkworms ( Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval) offers a sustainable way to increase income and optimize cassava use. This study evaluated the adaptability, leaf productivity, and silk yield of 10 cassava genotypes in Southwest Ethiopia to identify their suitability as eri‐silkworm feed. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes in terms of plant height, leaf traits, stem diameter, and dry matter (DM) yield, all of which influenced eri‐silkworm growth. Genotype 16301 had the tallest plants, while M94/0117 was the shortest. Eri‐silkworm performance, including larval weight, survival, hatchability, and effective rate of rearing (ERR), varied by genotype, likely reflecting differences in leaf nutrition. Notably, genotype Umbure achieved the highest ERR (95.8%), survival rate (94.8%), cocoon weight (1.7 g), pupal weight (1.6 g), shell weight (0.3 g), and silk ratio (14.6%). Umbure’s leaves also had superior nutritional qualities, including high crude protein (28.6%), high in vitro dry matter digestibility, and low fiber content (32.4%), making them an excellent protein source for eri‐silkworms. Furthermore, Umbure produced the most tubers per plant and the highest total fresh and DM yields per hectare over 2 years, with Qulle having the greatest tuber count and Umbure producing the longest tubers. These results indicate that genotype Umbure is the most promising cassava variety for silk production due to its nutritional value and favorable traits for eri‐silkworm rearing. This study highlights the potential of cassava–eri‐silkworm integration to improve farmer income and promote sustainable cassava production. Future research and extension efforts should focus on supporting the adoption of this practice.