The possibility and prospect of breeding wild silkworm of the Giant Peacock moth (Saturnia pyri, Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), as a new branch of sericulture in Azerbaijan
Research article: The possibility and prospect of breeding wild silkworm of the Giant Peacock moth (Saturnia pyri, Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), as a new branch of sericulture in Azerbaijan
Author (s): Y.H. Shukurlu1*, Kh.A. Aliyev2, Z.Y. Shukurova1*
1 Sheki Regional Scientific Center, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, L.Abdullayev Str. 24, Sheki AZ 5500, Azerbaijan
2 Institute of Zoology, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, A. Abbaszadeh Str., pass. 1128, block 504, Baku, AZ 1004, Azerbaijan.
*For correspondence: shrem@science.az
Received: December 10, 2020; Received in revised form: March 31, 2021; Accepted: April 06, 2021
Abstract
It is known that in modern times there is a great demand for wild silkworm silk and its products, especially in the field of biomedicine and nanotechnology, among domestic and foreign consumers. The presence of large areas of various forests and favorable conditions in Azerbaijan provides great opportunities for the cultivation of wild silkworms of the Saturniidae family for industrial purposes. In this regard, there is a need for a detailed study of the productivity of the breed, which actually lives in the green spaces of our country, i.e., the study of its biological and technological parameters in laboratory conditions. The article describes breeding experience of the Giant Peacock moth (lat. Saturnia pyri) in laboratory conditions at constant temperature (20-25°C) and humidity (80-85%) on the leaves of cherry plant (Prunus avium L., 1755). The prospects and possibilities for the future expanded cultivation and production of specific silk, which will be the first in Azerbaijan and the entire Transcaucasia, have also been assessed.
Keywords: Wild silkworm, Saturnia pyri eggs, silkworm hatching, silkworm molting, cocoon, sericulture
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