Carotenoid functions in photoperiodic induction in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Using a well-defined artificial diet it was demonstrated that a carotenoid ( β -carotene) is essential for the photoperiodic induction of the embryonic non-diapause in Bombyx mori which shows blue-sensitivity of the photoperiodic response. Possibly a small amount of carotenoid or its derivative functions as the photoreceptive chromophore involved in the photoperiodic induction of the silkworm.