Abstract:
Objective To investigate the diapause prevention mechanism of silkworm (Bombyx mori), and compare a series of changes of eggshell surface after diapause prevention by HCl or DMSO treatment.
Method The eggs were treated with HCl or DMSO at 20 and 12 h after oviposition respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the changes of eggshell surface and aeropyle at different time points after treatment.
Result Both HCl and DMSO treatments successfully prevented the occurrence of egg diapause, and the average hatching rates were 93.37% and 87.81% respectively. SEM observation showed clear etching effect and "lipid" shed on eggshell surface, and the aeropyle diameter increased gradually under both treatments. The above observations were more obvious for the HCl treatment compared with the DMSO treatment.
Conclusion Eggshell surface changes may be related to the diapause prevention of silkworm.