Continuous Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation Promotes Growth of Silkworms

To investigate the influence of low-dose-rate irradiation on the growth of silkworms, Bombyx mori, eggs of silkworms were randomly divided into 2 groups and were grown on either low-dose-radiation-emitting sheets or control sheets. On the radiation-emitting sheets, the dose rate was measured as 66.0 (4.3) mu Sv/h (mean [standard deviation]) by a Geiger-Muller counter for alpha, beta, and gamma rays and 3.8 (0.3) mu Sv/h by a survey meter for gamma rays. The silkworms became larger when bred on the radiation-emitting sheets, and their body weight was about 25% to 37% heavier on day 42 to 49 after starting the experiment. Continuous low-dose-rate irradiation promoted the growth of silkworms. It should be further investigated whether this phenomenon could be utilized by the silk industry.