Rle of varied temperature, photoperiod and humidity in induction of diapsue in tropical tasar silkworm, Antherarea mylitta drury

Sericigenous wild silk moth, Antheraea mylitta has a wide range of distribution and shows varied range of voltinism. This study has been undertaken to determine the effects of different set of temperature, photoperiod and humidity on the growth and development parameters of tropical tasar silkworm and related pupal diapause response in controlled conditions to work out a possible sensitive stage of diapause induction and the required temperature photoperiod and humidity. The pupal diapause response in this was observed to be the joint effect of temperature and photoperiods resulting into diapause. The most sensitive to the environmental stimuli are the third instar larvae as they show cent percent pupal when reared at 19.5°C temperature or below, 10 hours of photoperiod or below and a constant humidity of 70%. The diapause response varies when fourth and fifth instar larvae are reared at 19.5°C or above having photo period of 11 to 13 hours or above within a humidity range of 70-75%. The findings of the present study can be utilized to raising diapausing or non-diapausing population and In determining the crop schedule in field conditions to get a cent percent diapausing stock after analyzing the available environmental conditions of a particular latitude and location. This will help in avoiding large scale loss of seed cocoons stock leading to overall increased production of tropical tasar raw silk.