Effects of dandelion partial replacement on some biological traits of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae)

In this study, a total of 900 specimens of univoltine polyhybrid silkworm breed were reared across early, mid, and late breeding seasons. The objective of the presented work was to assess reported cases of rearing silkworm on alternative host plants and evaluate the feasibility of partially replacing the optimal food source, Morus alba L., with the year-round available Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H.Wigg., while assessing larval and pupal duration, L5 larval weight, cocoon weight, as well as larval mortality and larval–pupal intermediates (unsuccessful pupae). While the substitution showed a statistically significant effect only for the larval stage duration, different temperature ranges affected all investigated traits. The optimal values were achieved in groups bred during the mid-season (19–24.5 °C), where differences in success between the control and the treatment were minimal. Further breeding will provide clearer insights into the limitations of this food replacement strategy within the system, depending on its research purpose.