Advancing Sustainable Sericulture: A Review on Biological Control Agents in Managing Pests and Diseases of Mulberry and Silkworms

Abstract

Sericulture, the culture of rearing of silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) for silk production, is significantly impacted by pests and pathogens that affect silkworms and mulberry plants which is primary food source for these insects. Traditional chemical pesticides, though effective, pose risks including environmental pollution and harm to non-target organisms. To address these issues, the sericulture industry is increasingly adopting biological control methods, which utilize natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators and pathogens to manage pest populations in an eco-friendly manner. This approach offers several advantages: it minimizes environmental pollution, protects beneficial organisms and promotes sustainability by leveraging natural pest regulation mechanisms. Key biological control agents in sericulture include parasitoids like Acerophagus papayae and Trichogramma chilonis, predators such as ladybird beetles, and pathogens including fungal and bacterial species. Despite its benefits, biological control faces challenges such as slower action and environmental dependencies. Effective implementation requires careful planning, integration with other pest management strategies and ongoing monitoring. Overall, biological control represents a significant advancement towards more sustainable and resilient sericulture practices.