Heterosis Studies in Some Elite Multivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Races with Popular Bivoltine N

Ten multivoltine female parental lines were crossed with popular bivoltine male silkworm breed NB$_4$D$_2$. Three types of heterosis parameters viz., heterosis over mid-parental value (hybrid vigour), heterobeltiosis (useful heterosis) and standard heterosis (standard check) were estimated for 15 economically important quantitative traits. The interaction among the hybrids and parents indicated significant effect for maximum characters. The heterotic effect of new hybrid combination was compared with popular hybrids viz., Pure Mysore${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ and Nistari${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$. Varied heterotic effect was observed for different traits for different hybrid combination. The results inferred that the crosses viz., BL$_{23}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ ranked top for 14 traits followed by Hosa Mysore${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 11 traits; PA$_{12}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 9 traits; BL$_{24}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 8 traits; Kolar Gold${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 7 traits; WAI$_1$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 6 traits and MU$_{11}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ for 5 traits. Among these, the best hybrids Kolar Gold${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ and MU$_{11}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ were identified for longer filament length and fine denier. Similarly for higher cocoon yield and silk productivity BL$_{223}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ and BL$_{24}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$ were found to be superior. These hybrid combinations are suitable for commercial exploitation at large scale.e.e.e.