Estimation of Genetic Components of Variance in Biparental Progenies of Bivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

Components of genetic variation were estimated for five metric traits using 24 biparental progenies (N. C. Design III) generated from F$_2$ generation of a commercial bivoltine silkworm hybrid, SH$_{6}$${\times}$NB$_4$D$_2$. Variance due to additive ($\sigma$$^2$A) and dominance ($\sigma$$^2$D) gene effects was significant for single cocoon weight and shell weight. However, magnitude of former was greater than latter indicating preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these two traits. Average degree of dominance was in the range of partial dominance for all the traits. High estimates of heritability (ns) indicated operation of genes with large additive effects, hence, scope exists for improvement of present populations through a few cycles of selection.n.