Evaluation of Two Promising Hybrids Viz., HSP1 (A3x935 E) and HSP2 (A3x916 B) in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

To evolve silkworm hybrids with higher survival and better cocoon characters, evaluation of semen hybrids in the laboratory (short-listed out of 143 hybrids) resulted in the identification of two promising hybrids, A3${\tines}$935 E (HSP1) and A3${\tines}$916 B (HSP2). The hybrids were evaluated at three different Regional Sericultural Research Stations of Central Silk Board during 1997-1998 and also tested with the farmers along with two control hybrids, KAxNB4D2 and PMxNB4D2. Evaluation of the hybrids indicated that these hybrids can be reared in all the seasons, especially during summer season. These hybrids show shorter larval duration (22 days 17 hrs against 23 days in control KAxNB4D2 and better cocoon characters as compared to the crossed breeds PM ${\tines}$NB4D2).