Juvenoid induced effects on the growth and differentiation of gonads in the silk worm, Bombyx Mori L

摘要

The juvenile hormone, Methoprene (Manta) was applied topically on the abdominal tergites of 2-3 day old final instar male and female larvae of Bombyx mori at a dosage of 1 ug/ insect. Results of the histological studies of the gonads in Bombyx mori were compared to the effects induced by the juvenoid, Manta. Treatment with Manta prolonged the active feeding period by two days. In the treatment, though there was an apparent decrease in the sperm bundles due to delayed maturity process, the overall count of spermatognia and spermatocytic cysts was much higher in a single follicle indicating the possibility of increased spermatogenesis in due course. In the testes of experimental group, apical cell density was also increased as compared to the control.Also the number of oocytes and trophocytes associated with oocytes were found to increase in the hormone treated group. Thus the treatment of methoprene indicated the possibility of enhancing the reproductive potential of Bombyx mori.