Sustainable Alternatives for Reducing Agrochemical Burdens in Mulberry-Silkworm Ecosystems

Abstract

Mulberry-based sericulture, a key contributor to global silk production, sometimes uses fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides to maintain leaf yield and quality, with practices varying across regions and management systems. These agrochemicals can persist in soil, disrupt microbial communities, and create ecotoxicological stress that affects mulberry health. Residues move from soil and foliage to silkworms, causing sublethal and lethal effects on larval growth, silk gland activity, cocoon quality, and silk fibre properties. This review synthesizes current evidence on agrochemical entry and persistence in soils, impacts on soil biological functions, residue transfer to silkworms, and consequences for silk production and quality. It also discusses sustainable alternatives, including integrated pest management, microbial inoculants, organic amendments, and bioremediation approaches, which can reduce chemical loads while maintaining productivity. By mapping the soil–leaf–silkworm pathway, the paper provides an evidence-based framework for balancing productivity with environmental health and silk safety, offering actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.