Vol. 8, Issue 11, Part N (2024)

Sericulture, the art of rearing silkworms for silk production, holds immense economic importance, particularly in rural areas. However, the industry faces challenges such as diseases, environmental stressors and the demand for improved silk quality and productivity. Recent biotechnological advances have provided new tools to address these issues, especially in silkworm breeding and disease management. Genetic engineering techniques, including transgenic silkworms and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, have paved the way for the development of silkworm strains with enhanced disease resistance, stress tolerance and improved silk quality. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has enabled the identification of specific traits linked to superior silk production and disease resistance, accelerating the breeding process. Additionally, advancements in molecular diagnostics have improved the early detection and control of viral, bacterial and fungal infections in silkworm populations, reducing economic losses. This article reviews the current biotechnological approaches in sericulture, highlighting their potential to revolutionize silkworm breeding programs and improve disease management strategies. The integration of these technologies into sericulture practices promises to enhance productivity, reduce disease-related losses and contribute to the sustainable growth of the silk industry.