Mulberry and Silkworm Crop Protection: Instructional-Cum-Practical Manual (Volume III)

Abstract

A good silkworm crop depends largely on good mulberry leaves. Mulberry plants like all other plants are subject to attacks of various diseases and pests. Therefore, in order to raise healthy plants, it is necessary to prevent the diseases and pests by suitable control measures. Various kinds of spraying and dusting equipment are used for the application of fungicides and insecticides. There are also some physical methods to contain the diseases and pests that attack mulberry plants. The mulberry plant diseases and pests, their identification, mode of application of fungicides and insecticides, and the recommended safe periods are briefly discussed in this practical manual. Proper handling and care will help the plants to recover from the diseases and pests, and their leaves will become suitable for the proper growth of silkworms, and thus lead to successful results in silkworm rearing. Without proper care, the mulberry plants, will obviously be subject to attacks by various pests and diseases, leading to crop loss. Hence, there is a imperative need to identify the diseases and pests at their initial stages to take preventive measures.