Studies on age specific life-fecundity table of Antheraea assama Ww. on Machilus bombycina

摘要

Studies were conducted to assess the role of life fecundity table to foresee the oviposition potential and rearing performance of Antheraea assama [Antheraea assamensis] on Machilus bombycina in terai region of West Bengal, India. The higher potential fecundity value in September-October (98.83) and October-November (92.42) resulted in higher rate of egg laying during October-November. The higher net reproductive rate (R₀) of females (11.6051), innate capacity for increase in number (0.0483) and hypothetical F₂ female (134.6783) as recorded during September-October suggested higher population build-up from October. The minimum values of R₀ and hypothetical F₂ females in May-June generation (5.907) and (34.893) resulted in declination of population after June. The survival value was recorder higher in March-April (0.29) suggested higher rearing performance. Therefore, October-November can be considered as the favourable season for egg production and March-April for rearing.