Abstract: The feed preservatives suitable for silkworm rearing in Jiangxi Province were screened, so as to provide theoretical support for the popularization and application of artificial diet rearing technology. Five preservatives, including natamycin, dimethyl fumarate, potassium sorbate, calcium propionate and Carbendazim, were added to the silkworm formula diet with the conventional diet as the cantrol, the effects of different feed preservatives on the growth and development of young silkworms and their antiseptic effects were studied. The results showed that, different preservatives in the artificial diet had a certain effect on the growth and development of silkworm, Bombyx mori. The highest percentage of depilation in 24 hours was found in the treatment with added potassium sorbate, reaching 94.54%, while there was no significant difference among other treatments. The weight of the 3rd instar silkworm was high in the treatments with added calcium propionate and potassium sorbate. The highest percentage of cocoon formation and the lowest percentage of the dead worm cocoon were found in the treatment of adding potassium sorbate. There were no significant differences in 1st instar weight, 2nd instar weight and cocoon quality of silkworms among different treatments. Different preservatives for artificial feed had different anti-mildew effects. During the rearing process of the silkworm, the feed supplemented with dimethyl fumarate, potassium sorbate and calcium propionate as well as the control had the least mildew degree. Under natural conditions, the feed with the addition of 0.25% potassium sorbate had the lightest mildew degree and the longest shelf life. Adding 0.25% potassium sorbate to the artificial diet had good antiseptic effect, and long shelf life of feed, and was beneficial to the growth and development of the silkworm.

Key words: silkworm（Bombyx mori L.）, artificial feed, preservative, potassium sorbate, feeding effect