Role of climate resilient sericulture practices in adapting to environmental variability

Introduction

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk, is an important agrobased industry that contributes significantly to rural employment, income generation, and economic development in many countries. The process of sericulture involves several interconnected activities, including mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, cocoon production, silk reeling, and weaving [1][2] . Among these stages, mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing are highly dependent on environmental conditions, making the sericulture sector particularly vulnerable to climatic variations. The mulberry silkworm (Bombyxmori) requires a narrow range of temperature and humidity conditions for optimal growth and cocoon production. Ideal environmental conditions for silkworm rearing generally range between 23-28 °C temperature and 70-85% relative humidity. Any deviation from these conditions can adversely affect silkworm health, feeding efficiency, larval growth, and cocoon formation. Similarly, mulberry plants require suitable climatic conditions, soil fertility, and adequate water supply for producing high-quality leaves that serve as the primary food source for silkworms [3][4] . In recent years, global climate change has caused significant alterations in environmental conditions, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events. These changes have introduced new challenges for sericulture farmers, as they directly influence mulberry productivity, increase the incidence of pests and diseases, and reduce the survival rate of silkworms. Environmental stress can also affect the quality of cocoons, thereby lowering silk yield and economic returns for farmers, these challenges, the concept of climate-resilient sericulture has emerged as an effective strategy for maintaining sustainable silk production under changing climatic conditions. Climate-resilient practices focus on improving the adaptability of sericulture systems by integrating improved technologies, climate-tolerant silkworm breeds, enhanced mulberry cultivation methods, and better farm management practices [5] .

These strategies help reduce the negative impacts of climate variability while ensuring stable cocoon production. Therefore, the adoption of climate-resilient sericulture practices is essential not only for maintaining productivity but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of rural households that depend on sericulture as a primary or supplementary source of income.

Impact of Environmental Variability on Sericulture

Environmental variability plays a crucial role in determining the productivity and sustainability of sericulture systems. Changes in climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and seasonal cycles can influence both mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing [6] . Since mulberry leaves are the sole food source for silkworms, any environmental factor affecting mulberry growth ultimately affects silkworm performance and cocoon production. Temperature is one of the most critical environmental factors influencing sericulture. High temperatures can lead to heat stress in silkworms, resulting in reduced appetite, slower growth rates, and increased mortality. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures may delay larval development and prolong the rearing cycle. Similarly, fluctuations in humidity can influence the feeding behavior and physiological functions of silkworms, ultimately affecting cocoon quality [7] . Rainfall patterns also have a significant impact on mulberry cultivation. Excessive rainfall may cause waterlogging in mulberry fields, leading to root damage and reduced leaf yield. In contrast, prolonged drought conditions can reduce soil moisture, resulting in poor plant growth and lower leaf production. Poor-quality mulberry leaves contain reduced nutrient content, which can negatively affect the growth and development of silkworm larvae. Environmental variability can also increase the incidence of diseases and pests affecting both mulberry plants and silkworms [8] . High humidity and warm conditions provide favorable environments for the development of pathogens responsible for diseases such as grasserie, flacherie, muscardine, and pebrine in silkworms. Similarly, mulberry plants are vulnerable to various pests and fungal diseases that can reduce leaf yield and quality [9] . Another important challenge associated with climate variability is the disruption of traditional sericulture seasons. Farmers typically plan their silkworm rearing cycles based on predictable seasonal patterns. However, irregular weather conditions may affect mulberry leaf availability and the timing of silkworm rearing, leading to production losses.Therefore, environmental variability poses significant threats to the sustainability of sericulture. Without proper adaptive strategies, these climatic challenges can lead to reduced cocoon yield, poor silk quality, and economic losses for sericulture farmers.

Climate-Resilient Practices in Sericulture

To overcome the challenges posed by climate change and environmental variability, several climate-resilient sericulture practices have been developed and promoted [10] . These practices aim to enhance the adaptability and sustainability of sericulture systems while minimizing the risks associated with changing environmental conditions.

Development of Climate-Tolerant Silkworm Breeds

One of the most important strategies for improving climate resilience in sericulture is the development of silkworm breeds that can tolerate environmental stress. Researchers have developed improved hybrid silkworm varieties that exhibit higher tolerance to temperature fluctuations, humidity changes, and disease infections. These improved breeds possess better adaptability to local environmental conditions and demonstrate enhanced growth performance, survival rates, and cocoon productivity. The use of such climate-tolerant silkworm strains enables farmers to maintain stable production even under unfavorable climatic conditions.

Improved Mulberry Cultivation Practices

Mulberry cultivation forms the backbone of sericulture, and improving mulberry production is essential for climate resilience [11] . Climate-resilient mulberry cultivation involves the use of drought-tolerant and high-yielding mulberry varieties, proper soil management, and efficient irrigation techniques.Practices such as mulching, organic manure application, and crop rotation can improve soil moisture retention and soil fertility, thereby enhancing mulberry plant growth even under water-limited conditions. Additionally, the use of improved planting techniques and appropriate pruning methods can increase leaf yield and improve leaf quality.

Water Conservation and Irrigation Management

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for sericulture farmers in many regions. Efficient water management practices such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and mulching can help conserve water while ensuring adequate moisture supply for mulberry plants.Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, reducing water wastage and improving irrigation efficiency. Rainwater harvesting techniques can also help farmers store water during rainy seasons for use during dry periods.

Improved Silkworm Rearing Infrastructure

The development of improved silkworm rearing facilities can significantly reduce the impact of climate variability. Modern rearing houses equipped with temperature and humidity control systems help maintain optimal environmental conditions for silkworm growth.Proper ventilation, sanitation, and regular disinfection of rearing equipment are also essential for preventing disease outbreaks [12] . The use of improved rearing appliances and hygienic practices can enhance cocoon quality and increase productivity.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management

Integrated pest and disease management strategies are essential for minimizing losses caused by pests and pathogens. These strategies combine biological control, cultural practices, and minimal chemical interventions to control pests and diseases affecting mulberry plants and silkworms.Regular monitoring of fields, early detection of disease symptoms, and the use of resistant varieties can help prevent large-scale outbreaks. Biological control agents and environmentally friendly pest management practices can further enhance the sustainability of sericulture systems.

Benefits of Climate-Resilient Sericulture Practices

The adoption of climate-resilient practices in sericulture provides several ecological, economic, and social benefits. These practices help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions while maintaining sustainable silk production. As environmental variability continues to affect agricultural systems globally, climate-resilient strategies play a crucial role in reducing vulnerability and improving the overall efficiency of sericulture.One of the major benefits of climate-resilient sericulture is enhanced productivity and stability of cocoon yield. Improved mulberry varieties and climate-tolerant silkworm breeds enable farmers to maintain production levels even under fluctuating environmental conditions. These improved varieties are often capable of withstanding higher temperatures, limited water availability, and disease pressure, which helps ensure consistent cocoon production [13] . Climate-resilient practices also contribute to improved mulberry leaf quality, which directly affects silkworm growth and silk yield. Techniques such as proper irrigation management, mulching, and organic nutrient management enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. As a result, mulberry plants produce nutritious leaves that support better silkworm health and higher cocoon quality. Another important benefit is reduced vulnerability to pests and diseases. Integrated pest and disease management strategies help control outbreaks that may arise due to favorable environmental conditions for pathogens. The use of biological control agents, resistant varieties, and proper sanitation practices reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby promoting environmentally sustainable sericulture.Climate-resilient sericulture also promotes efficient resource utilization. Water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting help optimize water use, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Similarly, organic fertilizers and sustainable soil management practices improve long-term soil health and productivity [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] . From a socio-economic perspective, these practices help strengthen the livelihoods of rural communities involved in sericulture. The industry provides employment opportunities in rural areas, especially for smallholder farmers and women. By ensuring stable cocoon production and improving silk quality, climate-resilient strategies help increase farmers' income and reduce economic risks associated with climate change.Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable sericulture practices contributes to environmental conservation by reducing soil degradation, conserving water resources, and minimizing chemical inputs. These practices support the long-term sustainability of the sericulture sector and align with broader goals of climate-smart agriculture.

Conclusion

Sericulture remains an important agro-based industry that supports the livelihoods of millions of rural households worldwide. However, the sector is highly sensitive to climatic conditions, and environmental variability caused by climate change has emerged as a significant challenge for sustainable silk production.

References

1. Ashrith S, Pavithra MR, Reddy CH, Jekinakatti B, Kumar MR, Suhas BV. Climate change and its impact on sericulture: A brief review. Int J Adv Biochem Res. 2025;9(8):656-661. Available from: https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2025.v9.i8i.5283
2. Debnath A. Molecular regulation of salt stress tolerance in fruit crops with special emphasis on WRKY transcription factors. Plant Sci Rev. 2020. Available from: https://doi.org/10.51470/PSR.2020.01.01.09
3. Kaushik A, Borah G, Saikia S, Kaushiki B, Phukan T. Climate-resilient sericulture: Strategies for sustainable silk production in a changing climate. Int J Adv Biochem Res. 2025;9(8):891-897. Available from: https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2025.v9.i8l.5360
4. Debnath A, Sarkar A. Genetic and molecular basis of stress tolerance in temperate and tropical fruit crops. Agric Rev. 2022. Available from: https://doi.org/10.51470/AR.2022.1.1.01
5. Manzoor S, Qayoom K. Impact of climate change on sericulture. Asian Res J Agric. 2024;17(3):107-113. Available from: https://doi.org/10.9734/arja/2024/v17i3477
6. Vidhya CS, Swamy GN, Das A, Noopur K, Vedulla M. Cyclic lipopeptides from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PPL: Antifungal mechanisms and their role in controlling pepper and tomato diseases. Microbiol Arch. 2023. Available from: https://doi.org/10.51470/MA.2023.5.2.1
7. Debnath A. Hormonal crosstalk and signal transduction mechanisms regulating plant reproductive development. Agric Rev. 2022. Available from: https://doi.org/10.51470/AR.2022.1.1.05
8. Sudan N, Devi S, Qadir J, Naan T. From mulberry to cocoon: The influence of climate variability on sericulture. J Biol Nat. 2025;17(2):347-355. Available from: https://doi.org/10.56557/joban/2025/v17i29689
9. Debnath A. Environmental implications of peat-based growing media on carbon balance and greenhouse gas emissions in horticultural systems. Xplore Environ. 2021. Available from: https://doi.org/10.51470/XE.2021.1.2.01
10. Kaushik A, Priyadharshini P, Kumar P, Carmel APT. Role of sericulture in agroforestry systems for improving soil health, biodiversity and resource efficiency. Int J Environ Clim Change. 2025;15(9):579589. Available from: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i95039
11. Tejaswini AS, Chikkalingaiah K, Aramani K, Lakshmi SV, Veenita MK, Kankanawadi N. Stability and seasonal performance of fruit yield traits in elite mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes. Int J Environ Clim Change. 2025;15(7):426-437. Available from: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i74942
12. Rahmathulla VK. Management of climatic factors for successful silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) crop and higher silk production: A review. Psyche. 2012;2012:1-12.
13. Central Silk Board. Sericulture and silk industry in India. Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; 2019.
14. Datta RK, Nanavaty M. Global silk industry: A complete source book. CRC Press; 2007.
15. Ghosh A, Ishtiaque S, Reddy YS. Climate change impact on sericulture and its mitigation strategies. Indian J Seric. 2017;56(1):1-8.
16. Kumar R, Elangovan V, Ramesh B. Advances in mulberry cultivation and silkworm breeding for sustainable sericulture. J Entomol Zool Stud. 2018;6(2):188-192.
17. Krishnaswami S. New technology of silkworm rearing. Central Silk Board Press; 2012.
18. Sengupta K, Singh BD. Mulberry cultivation and improvement for sericulture. Springer; 2015.
19. Singh T, Singh A. Impact of environmental factors on silkworm rearing and cocoon production. J Agric Sci Technol. 2016;18(4):1017-1025.
20. Yadav R, Kumar A, Singh P. Sustainable sericulture practices for rural development and climate adaptation. Int J Agric Sci. 2020;12(2):142-150.