Abstract

Silk, a term describing protein fibres secreted by arthropods, is recognized for its softness, luster, strength and durability, outstripping both natural and synthetic fibres. In India, 47 silkworm species are documented, with 24 from the North East region, where Eri silkworm culture thrives due to the abundance of castor plants. Six common Eri silkworm strains are identified: Greenish Blue Plain, Greenish Blue Spotted, Greenish Blue Zebra, Yellow Plain, Yellow Spotted and Yellow Zebra. Eri silkworm larvae, prepupae and pupae, combined with herbs and spices, provide a high-protein food source, presenting a promising alternative amidst rising cereal costs and enhancing food security in rural areas. Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have the potential to significantly impact sericulture by improving silk yield, yarn quality and host plant characteristics. The application of synthetic juvenile hormones has led to notable improvements in larval development, silk gland weight and silk fibre output. However, challenges such as reduced biodiversity, declining wild silk moth populations and environmental fluctuations persist. India's diverse climatic conditions offer opportunities to exploit native silkworm races with valuable resistance genes. Addressing constraints in Eri silkworm rearing, including food scarcity, drought, insufficient training and market access, requires extensive conservation efforts, development of high-yield breeds and improved preservation techniques. Further research should focus on DNA fingerprinting, molecular characterization and transgenic technologies to optimize diets and enhance silkworm growth, ensuring a sustainable future for sericulture.