(The Open Entomology Journal,, 2009) Nguku, E.K.; Adolkar, V.V.; Raina, S.K.; Mburugu, K.G.; Mugenda, O.M.; Kimbu, D.M.
The economic and field performance of six Bombyx mori Linnaeus bivoltine strains were evaluated, namely
ICIPE I, Chun-Lei X ZhengZhu (C X Z), QuiFeng X BaiYu (Q X B), Quingsong X Haoyoe (Q X H), Suju X Minghu (S
X M) and 75xin X 7532 (75xin). Performance was based on larval, cocoon, pupa and shell weights, relationship of food
consumption to larval weight, cocoon weight and shell weight. ICIPE I recorded the shortest larval development period in
Location 1 (S1) during the short rains (SR) (26.53 + 5.05 days) and it was significantly shorter compared to that of the`
other strains. It also had the highest cocoon shell weight (CSW) in location 1 (S1) and location 2 S2), 0.38 and 0.36gms
respectively. ICIPE I and C X Z strains gave better performance for the parameters evaluated and are most suitable for the
Kenyan conditions