Eco-Friendly Strategies and Population Dynamics for Managing Uzi Fly (Exorista bombycis Louis) Infestations Under Climate Variability in Mulberry Sericulture

Abstract

Mulberry sericulture serves as a vital economic backbone for rural communities across Northeast India, yet it faces significant challenges from Uzi fly (Exorista bombycis Louis) infestations, which cause substantial economic losses. Climate variability, including shifts in temperature, humidity, and rainfall, directly influences Uzi fly population dynamics and silkworm rearing cycles, exacerbating pest outbreaks in the region. This review examines the host-parasite interactions of Exorista bombycis with silkworms, climatic patterns relevant to pest proliferation, and the resulting implications for sericulture in Northeast India. Eco-friendly management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, biological, botanical and quarantine methods within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks, are discussed as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. Emphasis is placed on climate-informed IPM approaches that utilize weather forecasting and pest surveillance for targeted interventions, ensuring effective pest suppression while preserving silkworm health. Future perspectives highlight the need for predictive models, breeding climate-resilient silkworm strains and advancing biopesticide-based control methods to address emerging climate challenges. Strengthening policy support and farmer training in climate-smart pest management will be essential for ensuring sustainable sericulture in Northeast India under climate variability. This review aims to guide researchers and practitioners toward resilient pest management in the mulberry sericulture sector.