This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extracts of phytoestrogen - rich plant, white Kwao-Krua (Peuraria mirifica) on toxicity, larval maturation and cocoon character of Thai Multivotine Silkworm, Bombyx mori. The toxicity (LC50) at 96 hours was 9.51 % w/v (r2= 0.94) after applying the extracts on mulberry leaves before feeding the 48 - hour old fifth in star silkworm. In addition, the crude extracts were administered topically on mulberry at 3 concentrations, 1%, 5%, and 10% w/v on the 48 -hour old fifth instar silkworm. The results showed decreased weight of larvae, pupae and at 5% and 10% w/v. However, the larval, cocoon and shell cocoon weights at 1% w/v treatment increased. Furthermore, the larval period was shortened up to 24 hours of all larval trialed. The results suggest that the extracts containing phytoestrogen may affect on growth and molting of silkworm. The physiology and biochemical mechanisms of phytoestrogen from this plant are discussed.
Keywords: phytoestrogen, Peuraria mirifica, developmental stages, Bombyx mori
Corresponding author: E-mail: Khemphet2006@hotmail.com
Chawna*, K. ., Visetson, S. ., Milne, J. ., Wilai, S. ., & Sudthongkong, C. . (2007). EFFECTS OF PHYTOESTROGEN FROM WHITE KWAO-KRUA (Peuraria mirifica) ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF THAI MULTIVOTINE SILKWORM (Bombyx mori). CURRENT APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 86-92.
