Critical analysis of correlation and heritability phenomenon in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Correlation and heritability studies of quantitative traits are a pre-requisite for judicious selection for genetic improvement of complex characters of economic importance. The success of selection is governed by the degree to which the desired trait is transmitted to the succeeding generation. The nature of selection is to be given due consideration at appropriate developmental stages for pursuing selection in desired direction while improving or evolving high productive breeds or hybrids of the silkworm. Characters showing high heritability as well as high genetic advance respond better to simple phenotypic selection while those having low heritability and low genetic advance may respond better to mass selection. Characters showing high heritability and low genetic advance may yield good response to hybridization and recurrent selection. An attempt has been made in this review article to briefly discuss the magnitude of correlation and heritability in selection strategies for the improvement of quantitative traits in desired direction in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.).