Toxicological Perspectives of Pesticide Use in Mulberry Cultivation: Challenges and Pathways to Sustainable Sericulture

Abstract

Pest management in mulberry cultivation is a critical component of sustainable sericulture, as pest infestations directly influence leaf quality, silkworm health, and cocoon productivity. Conventional insecticides have been widely employed to manage pest outbreaks; however, their indiscriminate application leads to multiple challenges, including pesticide residues in foliage, silkworm toxicity, environmental contamination, and resistance development in pest populations. These issues collectively threaten the economic viability and ecological sustainability of sericulture. This review consolidates current insights on the toxicological impact of insecticides within mulberry–silkworm ecosystems, emphasizing their residual effects on silkworm physiology, cocoon characteristics, and silk quality. It further explores integrated strategies for minimizing pesticide hazards through eco-friendly approaches such as biological control agents, botanical formulations, cultural practices, and selective chemical interventions. The discussion highlights the necessity for region-specific integrated pest management (IPM) modules that align with ecological principles while ensuring effective pest suppression. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of monitoring pesticide residues, adopting safe waiting periods, and implementing farmer-oriented training programs to promote judicious pesticide use. Collectively, these interventions aim to balance pest control efficiency with environmental stewardship, thereby sustaining sericulture under dynamic pest and climate conditions.