Impact of botanicals on the growth and silk production of Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini (Boisduval).

India is one of the largest castor producing countries in the world, annually it is over area of 1.07 million hectare, with a production of 0.87 M.T. Castor seeds which is nearly 68 per cent of the total world area and 76 per cent of the total world production, the country exporting castor oil worth more than Rs.1000 crores during 2000-2001. India is not only the largest producer of castor but also has the highest productivity of 1231 kg/ha as against the world average of 780 kg/ha (Anon., 2003).