06 Oca 2025 Pazartesi
Lepidopteran pests of mulberry: Biology, geographical distribution, management and future directions
Abstract : The mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a monophagous species that produces mulberry silk by feeding exclusively on mulberry leaves from the Moraceae family. The quality of mulberry silk is directly linked to the quality of these leaves. As a perennial monoculture crop, mulberry provides a stable microclimate and a consistent food source for various pests, with around 300 species reported on mulberry trees. Lepidopteran pests, in particular, cause significant damage. Insecticide sprays are currently the main method for controlling these pests, but repeated use of synthetic pesticides has led to pest outbreaks, resistance, and harmful residues on mulberry leaves, negatively affecting silkworms. Alternative control methods and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are increasingly essential. This review discusses the biology, distribution, and control methods for lepidopteran pests on mulberry plants. It notes that while numerous natural enemies are available, only a few are used as biological control agents. Developing a herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV)-based pest management program could enhance the identification and use of biological control agents. Research on HIPVs in mulberry sericulture is limited, and addressing this gap could lead to more sustainable and effective pest management strategies, benefiting both farmers and the environment.