Variations of chacateristics of indigenous silkworm breed, Nistari (Bombyx Mori)

Nistari (Bombyx mori L) is said, brought by Col. Kyd (1788) from Canton. It Is believed; the race was first acclimatized in Madras and then spread in undivided Bengal. This race has become a boon to the sericulture industry and in large commercial utilization all over the West Bengal. Due to the acclimatization in a particular area, it has been called by area name, viz., Nistari-Batepur, Nistari-Chalsa, Nistari-Shivnivas and Nisteri-Debra. Besides, the race is also in active maintenance at the Institute's germplasm with the name Nistari (Marked) and Nistari (Plain) based on their larval characteristics. Their performance also varies among themselves. The variation of characters of these Nistari has been studied.