• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.20-28
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• 1999

Color qualities investigated on the basis of Munsell code and Korean standard color code for the cocoons from various strain of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori. 16 of different color qualities were identified from 21 of original silworm strains, and determinated international name with the revision of Korean color name for cocoon. The various cocoon color confirmed on the sphere from 567 to 593 nm wavelength, 78% of those located at the region about 580 nm (575~584) of sensitive "color difference limen". Y gene engaged broad ranges of wavelength (575~593 nm) in the color expression, by contrast with other genes of Pk (593 nm), F (584~593), Grc and relative G group (567~570 nm), on the transmission of carotenoid or flavonoid color substance. YC gene expression by original silk worm strain was also distinguished by those variation of specific yellow than other colors from Grc, GaGb, Gc, and YPkF. Appearance of chrome yellow cocoon was dominant than other yellow in the cross among vivid yellow group. F1 of pin${\times}$green produced the cocoon of yellow such as "additive mixture" as color light, however, most of the hybrid between yellow cocoon showed the color similar to "subtractive mixture" as a mixture of dyestuff. Hybrid cocoons among yellow or green colors were decreased their hue, value, and chroma, than those of parent. Diallel cross among the strain of various green cocoon suggest the existence of Grc, Ga, Gb, Gc genes. Cream colored cocoon of B. mandarina was differed from other yellow cocoon of Bobyx mori B. mori. Y$^A$ with Ymc showed the similar role of Y with C, therefore, segregated yellow cocoon from the B. mori${\times}$B. mandarina (+$^YC/Y^AYmc$). YC expression of $Y^AY$mc genes might be suppressed by deficiency of outer layer sericin on the middle division of silk giand in the B. mandarina.