SylbV01-00-00. pmd

I. Course Title
: Diseases and Pests of Silkworm
II. Course Code
: SER 512
III. Credit Hours
: 1+1
IV. Why this course ?
Silkworms are affected by a number of diseases caused by Microsporidia, fungi,
viruses, bacteria and mixed infections and also attacked by insect pests. The
exposure to these pathogens and pests results in mortality of silkworms and
economic loss to the silkworm rearers. A better understanding of causative agents,
symptoms, sources of infection, predisposing factors, transmission and management

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Restructured and Revised Syllabi of Post-graduate Programmes
Vol. 1
742
of silkworm diseases and pests is very important to improve cocoon productivity
and maximize economic benefit to silkworm rearers by better avoidance/
management of silkworm diseases and pests.
V. Aim of the course
The course is designed to provide both theory and practical knowledge regarding
the subjects of Classification of disease-causing organisms of mulberry and non-
mulberry silkworms including viral, fungal, bacterial, protozoan and mixed
infections. Knowledge on their occurrence, causative agent, etiology, symptoms and
infection, sources of infection, predisposing factors, transmission and management,
symptoms, seasonal incidence of diseases associated with mulberry and non-
mulberry silkworms is important. Diagnosis of different pathogens based on
symptoms (external and internal), regulation of environmental factors contributing
to diseases, prevention and control of diseases also attain importance. Know how
on pests of mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms, uzi fly occurrence, nature and
extent of damage, life-cycle and management, other pests and predators effecting
silkworm crop and their management and pesticide toxicity/ residual toxicity, use
of eco-friendly pesticides and biological control will also be dealt.
The course is organized as follows:
No
Blocks
Units
1.
Silkworm diseases and their
I
Importance and Classification
management
II
Silkworm pathogens, disease development
and diagnosis
III Management of silkworm diseases
2
Silkworm pests and their
I
Ujifly, 
Exorista bombycis
Louis—a major
pest of silkworms.
II
Other pests and predators affecting silkworm
crop and their management.
III Pesticide toxicity