Energy minimization study of various zinc resources to optimize the bioavailability of zinc in broiler feed supplementation

Abstract

In the present study, susceptibility of the mulberry pest G. pyloalis Walker to the pathogens of silkworm, B. mori L. and susceptibility of the silkworm, B. mori to the pathogens of mulberry pest G. pyloalis was ascertained. During the study various stages of G. pyloalis were found infected with the Microsporidian (Pebrine) and Nuclear Polyhedral Virus (BmNPV) whereas, fungal and bacterial pathogens were not observed during the present study. The mean incidence of microsporidian and NPV was observed as 4.22% and 5.99%., respectively. Silkworm, Bombyx mori inoculated with the pathogens isolated from G. pyloalis (Microsporidian and Nuclear Polyhedral Virus) showed high mortality at larval and pupal stages. However, silkworms inoculated with Microsporidian showed mortality of 53.66% at larval stage whereas silkworms inoculated with Nuclear Polyhedral Virus showed mortality of 61.00% at larval stage. The study revealed that G. pyloalis besides being a major pest of mulberry causing severe damage to the leaves also acts as alternate host for the pathogens causing diseases of silkworm. As such, this pest needs to be managed to prevent loss to the mulberry plantations as well as spread of silkworm disease causing pathogens.