A Review: Viral Diseases of the Mulberry Silkworm Bombyx mori: Pathogenesis, Host–Virus Interactions, Diagnosis, Management, and Economic Implications

  • Unique Paper ID: 207997
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 3
  • PageNo: 3609-3621
  • Abstract:
  • Sericulture is an important agro-based enterprise that contributes substantially to rural livelihoods and economic development, particularly in developing countries. However, the productivity and sustainability of silk production are severely constrained by infectious diseases of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, among which viral diseases are particularly destructive. This review synthesises current knowledge on the major viral pathogens affecting B. mori, including Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), denso-viruses (BmDV/ BmBDV), and infectious flacherie virus (Bm IFV). Emphasis is placed on their transmission routes, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, host physiological alterations, and impacts on larval survival, cocoon yield, and silk quality. The review further highlights host defence mechanisms involving innate immunity, RNA interference, apoptosis, and major immune-signalling pathways. Conventional and molecular diagnostic approaches, including microscopy, immunological assays, PCR-based detection, biosensors, and lateral flow assays, are discussed in relation to early disease diagnosis. Current disease-management strategies encompassing hygienic rearing, disease-free layings, balanced nutrition, probiotics, molecular diagnostics, and resistant silkworm strains are evaluated. Emerging approaches such as RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, and genomic breeding offer promising opportunities for sustainable disease control. Integrating modern biotechnology with preventive management and continuous surveillance is essential for reducing economic losses and strengthening the long-term sustainability of sericulture.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{207997,
        author = {Dr. Rashmi P. Joshi and Pallavi Shete},
        title = {A Review: Viral Diseases of the Mulberry Silkworm Bombyx mori: Pathogenesis, Host–Virus Interactions, Diagnosis, Management, and Economic Implications},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {3},
        pages = {3609-3621},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207997},
        abstract = {Sericulture is an important agro-based enterprise that contributes substantially to rural livelihoods and economic development, particularly in developing countries. However, the productivity and sustainability of silk production are severely constrained by infectious diseases of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, among which viral diseases are particularly destructive. This review synthesises current knowledge on the major viral pathogens affecting B. mori, including Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), denso-viruses (BmDV/ BmBDV), and infectious flacherie virus (Bm IFV). Emphasis is placed on their transmission routes, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, host physiological alterations, and impacts on larval survival, cocoon yield, and silk quality. The review further highlights host defence mechanisms involving innate immunity, RNA interference, apoptosis, and major immune-signalling pathways. Conventional and molecular diagnostic approaches, including microscopy, immunological assays, PCR-based detection, biosensors, and lateral flow assays, are discussed in relation to early disease diagnosis. Current disease-management strategies encompassing hygienic rearing, disease-free layings, balanced nutrition, probiotics, molecular diagnostics, and resistant silkworm strains are evaluated. Emerging approaches such as RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, and genomic breeding offer promising opportunities for sustainable disease control. Integrating modern biotechnology with preventive management and continuous surveillance is essential for reducing economic losses and strengthening the long-term sustainability of sericulture.},
        keywords = {Bombyx mori, viral infections, sericulture, cocoon yield, economic loss, disease management.},
        month = {August},
        }

Cite This Article

Joshi, D. R. P., & Shete, P. (2026). A Review: Viral Diseases of the Mulberry Silkworm Bombyx mori: Pathogenesis, Host–Virus Interactions, Diagnosis, Management, and Economic Implications. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 13(3), 3609–3621.

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