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.
