High-yielding silkworm hybrids promise stronger caterpillars and silkier cocoons.
The article discusses how scientists improved the biological characteristics of silkworm hybrids by selecting the best breeds. By using different selection methods, they increased the caterpillars' health, weight, and silk quality. This led to high heterosis, which means the hybrids have many valuable traits. The researchers found that systematic selection at all stages of silkworm development is crucial for enhancing their viability and cocoon quality. Multiple selection methods, like ranking breeds based on productivity and traditional selection, were used to achieve these positive results in breeds like MG, Ipakchi 2, Ya-120, and Chinese 108.