Varieties of Silkworm Food Plants
| Silkworm | Host plant | Local name | Botanical name of host plant | Family | Recommended varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulberry | Mulberry | Morus indica | Moraceae | Tr10 and S1635 | Well adapted to local condition and good for rearing |
| Morus laevigata | Moraceae | Local variety | Less susceptible to diseases | ||
|
Muga |
Som |
Persea bombycina |
Lauraceae |
Local variety |
Higher shell weight, best for commercial rearing and egg production |
|
Sualo |
Lisaea polyantha |
Lauraceae |
Local variety |
Best for seed production | |
|
Eri |
Castor |
Ricinus communis |
Euphorbiaceae |
NBR-1 |
Best for cocoon quality and egg production |
|
kesseru |
Heteropanax fragrans |
Araliaceae |
Local variety |
Best for shoot feeding and commercial crop | |
|
Tapioca |
Manihot esculenta |
Euphorbiaceae |
H-97, H-648, Dilma Local |
Tuber for human consumption, leaf for silkworms |
Source:
B.K. Singh, N. Tiken Singh, 2010, Muga Silkworm Seed Organization (MSSO), P-4 Unit, Mendipathar, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya.