Artificial diet for Samia ricini: key considerations and formulation strategies – a review

This review paper critically examines the components, limitations, and future prospects of artificial diets, and their impact on the rearing performance of Eri silkworm Samia ricini. In conventional rearing practices, the demand for a consistent supply of fresh leaves, particularly from the primary food plant, Ricinus communis (castor), poses significant challenges due to leaf quality variations and scarcity. This predicament sometimes renders the rearing process uncertain and time-consuming. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial diets, particularly those comprising Ricinus communis (castor), soybean, agar agar, preservatives, gelling agents, carbohydrates, sterols, inositol, salt mixtures, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and water, in addressing these challenges. These carefully formulated diets have demonstrated their ability to provide a stable and uniform source of nutrition, significantly impacting key parameters such as hatchability, larval and pupal durations, and shell ratio in comparison to traditional leaf-based diets. Furthermore, the study highlights the potentiality of various artificial diet compositions that can serve as viable alternatives for Samia ricini rearers. By embracing these innovative nutritional approaches, rearers can not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to increased silk production. Through an extensive analysis of experiments and studies, this review underscores the importance of thoughtful diet selection in achieving successful rearing of Samia ricini, paving the way for sustainable and efficient sericulture practices.