Ahamed, C.A.A., Chandrakala, M.V., & Maribashetty, V.G. 1999 Effect of feeding mealy bug affected mulberry leaves (tukra) on nutritional efficiency and cocoon yield in the new bivoltine silkworm, Bombyx mori L.. Entomon 24(3): 265-273.

Notes: Mealybug infestation of mulberry (Morus alba) by Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) causes malformation of terminal buds and appearance of small curly leaves on the shoots. The food and dietary water intake and utilization were studied by feeding diseased mulberry leaves to the new bivoltine silkworms, Bombyx mori (Race: KSO1) during the fourth and fifth instars, causing shortening of the larval duration and significant increment in conversion rate, conversion efficiencies (K1 & K2), water absorption efficiency, water retained in the body and water retention efficiency. In continuation of this, a significant increase in larval biomass, cocoon, pupal and shell weights followed by their efficiencies were noticed in spite of the decrease in quantity of wet food consumed. The factors responsible for these beneficial changes in food and water intake and utilization are discussed.