Evaluation of oviposition substrates and mating duration on fecundity and egg hatchability of Samia ricini Donovan (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Assessment of oviposition substrates and mating duration on the fecundity and egg hatchability of eri silkworm Samia ricini Donovan, revealed that maximum disease free layings were recorded in the control (353 eggs with 98 % hatchability) followed by the treatment, mating duration of six hours (332 eggs with 96 % hatchability). Poor egg laying and egg hatchability was noticed in one hour (151 eggs with 41 % hatchability). Correlation coefficients between mating duration, fecundity and egg hatchability showed strong positive correlation. Oviposition substrate’s impact on fecundity and egg hatchability revealed that gada cloth gave better results (344 eggs with 96% hatchability) whereas polythene cover recorded poor fecundity (203 eggs) and jack fruit kharika recorded poor hatchability (90 %). A minimum of six hours of mating duration is needed for the eri moth to attain its full fecundity potential and better egg hatchability.