Genetic Distance and Heterosis through Evaluation Index in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.)

Abstract

Problem statement: Synthesis of new-gene combinations by genetic manipulation is one of the powerful tools in exploiting the commercial qualities of plants and animals. Hybrid performance is evaluated from extensive yield trials that are costly and time consuming. Approach: Four silkworm races belonging to two different voltine groups (two multivoltine races namely Pure Mysore and Nistari and two bivoltine races namely C₁₀₈ and NB₄D₂) and the twelve regular and reciprocal hybrids derived from them were reared under standard laboratory condition analyzing six quantitative traits namely cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, filament length, denier and renditta. The data of the pure races was analysed for the estimation of evaluation index to study the genetic divergence between the races, where as evaluation index, heterosis and overdominance effects were studied in twelve hybrid combinations. Results: Varied heterotic effects were observed for different traits for hybrid combination. Cocoon weight and shell weight has maximum heterosis over the mid parent in Pure Mysore × Nistari (27 and 42% respectively), whereas C₁₀₈ × Nistari have shown maximum shell ratio (30%) among the hybrids. The maximum filament length for heterosis was observed in the Nistari × Pure Mysore. Heterosis for cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, filament length, denier and renditta based on evaluation index confirmed the above results. Conclusion: The investigation indicates that optimum level of genetic divergence between parents is necessary to obtain heterosis in F₁ generation.