Analysis of Protein and moisture content of two food plants of Philosamia ricini (Erisilkworm), Castor (Ricinus communis) and Kesseru (Heteropanax fragrans) during different seasons

Biochemical analysis of Protein and moisture content of the leaves of both the food plants of Philosamia ricini (Erisilkworm), Ricinus communis and Heteropanax fragrans where conducted in three seasons using three types of leaves tender, medium and matured. It was found that protein content was higher in Ricinus communis than Heteropanax fragrans. But moisture content was found to be higher in The moisture content in this study was found higher in the matured leaves of Ricinus communis whereas Heteropanax fragrans recorded high moisture content in tender and medium leaves. Winter season recorded low moisture content in both the food plants. The difference in the moisture content of Ricinus communis during Spring Summer and Winter was more pronounced in comparison to Heteropanax fragrans, where Spring-Summer and Rainy season exhibited almost equal moisture content.