Synergistic effect of vancomycin and honey supplemented with mulberry leaves on economic traits of the silkworm hybrid fc2 × fc

Abstract:

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the synergistic efect of vancomycin and honey supplemented through mulberry leaves on the economic traits of the silkworm hybrid FC₂×FC₁. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Studies in Sericulture Science, University of Mysore. The study comprised four treatment groups: T₀ (control with untreated mulberry leaves), T₁ (1% vancomycin), T₂ (1% honey with 1% vancomycin), and T₃ (2% honey with 1% vancomycin). Treatments were administered through foliar application on mulberry leaves during the fifth instar. Economic parameters including cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, pupal weight, filament length, filament weight, denier, and rendita were evaluated. The results revealed that all three treatment groups showed notable improvements in cocoon weight compared to control, with T₂ (1% honey + 1% vancomycin) recording the highest cocoon weight of 2.68±0.067 g, representing a 28.35% increase over control. Shell weight remained consistent across all treatments (0.50 g). Filament length was highest in T₂ (1425±11.783 m), representing a 10.12% improvement over control. Denier values improved across all treatments, with T₂ and T₃ both recording 7.69% improvement. The synergistic combination of vancomycin and honey at optimal concentrations enhanced the overall economic performance of the FC₂×FC₁ hybrid, with T₂ (1% honey + 1% vancomycin) showing the best overall performance. These findings suggest that antibiotic-honey supplementation through mulberry leaves can serve as an efective strategy for improving cocoon productivity in commercial sericulture.