IDENTIFICATION OF BOTANICALS FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF PEBRINE DISEASE OF THE SILKWORM, BOMB YX MOR! L.

Pebrine disease of silkworm, Bombyx mon L. caused by a Microsporidian, N. bombycis is dreaded disease and exhibits epizootic level of occurrence from time to time. The disease ¡s presently managed by preventive methods such as production of pebrine free layings through strict mother moth examination in grainages, disinfection of rearing house and appliances, sanitation and control of insect pesL to avoid secondary contamination. In the present study, eleven botanicals viz. Tomato, Garlic, Mehai”Ii, Neem, Parthenium, Phyllanthus, Turmeric, Tulasi, Ginger, Sadabahar and Pungemia were tested br their possible curative effects against N. bombycis in silkworm, Bombyx mon L. In vitro test indicated that out of Il botanicals tested, four botanicals viz. Garlic, Neem, Turmeric and Tulasi, resulted in lost of viability of spores to an extent of 10-26 %. Remaining botanicals did not result in any loss of viability of spores. in vivo test with per os inoculation of treated spores to silkworm larvae revealed less percent infection in four treatment batches viz. Garlic, Neem, Turmeric and Tulasi (70-90%) when compared to other botanicals as well as inoculated control, where 100% infection was recorded. The treatment exposure of 2 and 3 hours was better than half and one hour treatment with the above four botanicals. The aqueous extract of four selected botanicals viz. Neem, Turmeric Tulasi and Garlic decreases the percent infection in treatment batches (74-90%) when compared to 94%).