Studies on the Degree of Genetic Divergence for Different Quantitative Traits Between Paremntal Lines of Silkworm, Bombyx mori L., Hybrids

A study was conducted to establish the degree of genetic divergence between different hybrid forms and rearing conditions through estimation of the minimum number of genes (allelic pairs) differentiating parents in terms of specific quantitative traits. It was established that the minimum gene numbers differentiating parental lines in the inheritance of cocoon was 1, of cocoon shell weight- between 1 and 2, and of silk filament length- between 2 and 3. The variability in the specific genetic parameter could be explained by the reliability of the statistical-and-genetic method used and the expression of genes affecting the formation of each of the characters tested. Gene expression, in its turns is conditioned both by the gene interaction within the genotypes and the different genotype response to environmental change. To go deep in the problem, experiments should be conducted under strictly controlled conditions, reducing the mathematical-and-genetic analysis to a physiological levels and hence to analyse the genetic nature of the specific quantitative character formation and its genetic control.