Management of Diseases and Pests in Non-Mulberry Silkworms

 

Management of Diseases and Pests in Non-Mulberry Silkworms:

To ensure the health and productivity of non-mulberry silkworm crops, effective management of diseases and pests is crucial. Various pathogens and pests can cause significant damage, leading to reduced yields and lower silk quality. Understanding the types of diseases and pests affecting non-mulberry silkworms and implementing appropriate control measures is essential for successful silk production.

Diseases:

1. Microsporidiosis (Pebrine Disease):

Ø  Causative Organism: Nosema mylittensis

Ø  Symptoms: Reduced egg viability, larval paleness, irregular growth, black spots on larvae, flimsy cocoons, deformed moths.

Ø  Control Measures: Thermal treatment of eggs, chemical control with fungicides, regular sanitation, and disinfection.

2. Virosis:

Ø  Causative Organism: Various viruses (e.g., Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis virus)

Ø  Symptoms: Poor growth, loss of appetite, immobility, body distortion, death.

Ø  Control Measures: Chemical and biological control methods, foliar application of microbes, sodium hypochlorite spray.

3. Bacteriosis:

Ø  Causative Organisms: Gram-positive Bacillus, Gram-negative Micrococcus

Ø  Symptoms: Sealing of anal lips, chain-type excreta, rectal protrusion.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal of infected larvae, chemical disinfection, hygiene maintenance.

4. Flacherie:

Ø  Causative Organism: Suspected viral and bacterial agents

Ø  Symptoms: Loss of appetite, sluggishness, abnormal growth, blackened body, mortality.

Ø  Control Measures: Chemical and mechanical control, hygiene maintenance, avoidance of contaminated leaves.

5. Muscardine:

Ø  Causative Organism: Fungal infection (Beauveria sp.)

Ø  Symptoms: Swollen larvae, mummification, mortality.

Ø  Control Measures: Chemical disinfection, fungal control agents, sanitation practices.

 

 

Pests:

1. Uzi Fly:

Ø  Description: Blepharipa zebina, major endo-larval parasitoid.

Ø  Damage: Infestation leads to larval death, cocoon unreelability.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal, chemical control, use of sticky traps.

 

2. Ichneumon Fly:

Ø  Description: Xanthopimpla pedator, parasitoid insect.

Ø  Damage: Cocoon damage, emergence holes.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical and biological control, trap sticks, nylon netting.

3. Stink Bug:

Ø  Description: Pentatomid Bug, feeds on silkworm body fluids.

Ø  Damage: Crop loss, stunted growth.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal, biological control, nylon netting.

 

4. Reduvid Bug:

Ø  Description: Sycanus collaris, predator bug.

Ø  Damage: Cocoon damage, decreased cocoon yield.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal, nylon netting, chemical control.

5.  Preying Mantis:

Ø  Description: Hierodula bipapilla, predatory insect.

Ø  Damage: Larval predation, reduced crop yield.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal, biological control, hygiene maintenance.

6. Wasp:

Ø  Description: Vespa orientalis, predator insect.

Ø  Damage: Larval predation, cocoon loss.

Ø  Control Measures: Mechanical removal, nylon netting, chemical control.

By implementing a combination of preventive measures, biological control and chemical treatments as necessary, farmers can effectively manage diseases and pests in non-mulberry silkworms, safeguarding the health and productivity of their crops.