Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Insect Pests of Muga Silkworm, Anthereae Assamensis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

S. Subharani & P. Jayaprakash

Muga silkworm rearing being outdoor crop loss due to insect pests is a major problem encountered by the muga rearers. The loss due to these insect pests is alarmingly high in the preseed (Aherua and Jarua) and seed crops (Chotua and Bhodia) compared to the commercial crops (Jethua and Kotia). A preliminary study in 2010 to 2011 revealed 12 (twelve) insect pests belonging to the family Tachnidae, Vespidae, Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Formicidae, Pentatomidae and Mantidae infesting the silkworm. These insect pests are classified depending on their period of activity and intensity of attack. Amongst the insect pests that attack muga silkworm, the most formidable ones are the dipteran endo parasitoid, Exorista sorbillans Widemann, otherwise called the uzifly with 25 % damage in the 4th to 5th instar larvae and 20 % at harvesting stage of cocoons during chotua crop (March-April) and the wasp, Vespa orientalis with 20 percent damage during Aherua (May-June) and Bhodia (August-September) crop. Application of insecticides for control of the insect pests is not advocated in muga rearing as it is lethal to the silkworm itself. Future research must focus on environmentally sound pests management strategies that are compatible with the needs and limitations of farmers. A detailed description of the pests, cultural methods of control, biological control, and integrated pests management for each pests are discussed briefly.

Published Date: 2015-03-16;