Comparison of hemolymph biochemical parameters, productive performance and structural properties of silk fibers of silkworm, Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) by dietary diversification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary diversification of Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae on hemolymph biochemical parameters, larval growth parameters, and cocoon and silk morphological and structural properties. The newly hatched silkworm larvae of a hybrid line (M × N) were randomly separated into two feeding groups: (1) mulberry leaves (ML), (2) artificial diet (AD). The experiment was conducted at Kozabirlik (Bursa, Türkiye) in May 2025 under controlled rearing conditions. The larval period was shorter, and larval weight and silk gland weight were higher in the ML group compared with the AD group (p<0.001). The silk gland pH was determined to be lower in the ML group. The amylase activity was significantly higher in the ML group than in the AD group (p=0.002), whereas urease activity was higher in the AD group than in the ML group (p<0.001). The pupal, cocoon and filament characteristics were found to be significantly higher in the ML group (p<0.001). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a larger cocoon and silk fiber diameters in larvae fed with ML (p<0.01). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed differences in the transmittance characteristics of cocoon shell and silk fibers between the feeding groups.
Source: Turkish Journal of Entomology
Authors: Şeniz Öziş Altınçekiç, Arda Çelik
Institution: Bursa Uludağ Üni̇versi̇tesi̇
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7212043163