Abstract
DNA analysis of different nature grown ecoraces of Antheraea mylitta Drury at Centre for DNA finger printing and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India had suggested seven potential hybrids for evaluation at
different tasar zones in India. In the present studies, three hybrids and reciprocals viz. Andhra local (AL)×Bhandara local (BL), Bhandara Local (BL)×Andhra Local (AL), Andhra local (AL)×Daba TV (DTV), Daba TV (DTV)×Andhra local (AL), Bhandara local (BL)×Daba TV (DTV) and Daba TV (DTV)×Bhandara local (BL) were evolved by using three parents. Andhra local, Bhandara Local and Daba TV. Out of six combinations tested for eight yield components, Andhra local×Bhandara local (AL×BL) which was also recommended by CDFD, Hyderabad expressed positive heterosis and heterobeltiosis significantly for natural pairing (30.48% and 22.35%), fecundity (37.50% and 11.24%), survivability (205.00% and 188.36%), shell weight (23.08% and 13.27%) and silk ratio (12.74% and 10.46%). The ecoraces Andhra local and Bhandara local should be conserved in their respective natural habitat to exploit hybrid vigor for commercialization.
