Productivity of silkworm ( Bombyx mori L.) strains in South Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract The silkworm ( Bombyx mori L.) is an economically valuable insect known for its silk-producing cocoons. However, cocoon productivity in Indonesia remains relatively low, necessitating the evaluation of potential strains for sericulture development. This study aimed to assess the performance of six purebred silkworm strains by observing larval viability and cocoon quality. The research was conducted at the Center for Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership (BPSKL) in Bili-Bili, Gowa, South Sulawesi. Observed parameters included fertility rate, survival rate of early and mature instar larvae, fresh cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, shell ratio, defective cocoon percentage, and larval body length. The results showed that the Tosken 16x15 strain had the best overall performance, excelling in mature larval survival, cocoon weight, and larval length, while also displaying a favourable shell ratio and minimal cocoon defects. The BN2 strain performed well in terms of fertility rate and shell weight, but showed higher rates of cocoon defects. The BN167 strain had the lowest performance overall, despite its low defect rate. These findings suggest that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to performance differences among strains. Tosken 16x15 is recommended as a superior candidate for silkworm cultivation in tropical regions such as South Sulawesi.

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