Improvement in economic traits of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. by exposure to ultrasound

The effect of ultrasound on important economic traits of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L., was studied in the laboratory. The silkworm eggs in blue-egg stage were exposed to ultrasound at 1 MHz and at an intensity of 9 W/cm 2 for 2 min, and the impact was examined on the economic traits of the silkworm. An elevatory effect was recorded with respect to egg hatchability, subsequent growth of larvae, effective rate of rearing (ERR), cocoon weight, cocoon quality, and fiber quality. A regressive effect was noticed in respect of larval, pupal and total developmental durations, feeding, moulting and eclosion periods of the silkworm. The differential impact of ultrasound on these economic parameters could be explored for profitable sericulture.