IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Sericulture

Main Article Content

Lakshmi Rupa Das, Gitanjali Biswas

Abstract

Sericulture, an agro-based farming practice, involves rearing silk worms to produce mulberry and non-mulberry silk. These sericigenous insects rely on primary and secondary host plants for their growth and development, with some being monophagous and others polyphagous. Host plants are crucial in sericulture as they serve as the sole food source for these insects, which ultimately produce silk of high commercial value. Given the continuous feeding nature of the insects, large-scale production of host plants is necessary. However, host plants are susceptible to various diseases, necessitating the use of inorganic fertilizers for quality and quantity enhancement, albeit at the expense of environmental degradation. To mitigate these issues, biofertilizers have emerged as an alternative in agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacterial communities thriving in the rhizosphere, stimulating plant growth through various mechanisms. Strains such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Azospirillum have shown efficacy in enhancing the growth and development of numerous plants. PGPR also play a crucial role in sericulture by improving the quality and quantity of host plants, thereby increasing silk worm productivity and cocoon yield. For optimal productivity of sericigenous insects, a comprehensive understanding of host plants and their biology is essential. This paper reviews the role of PGPR and their potentiality in sericulture, highlighting their significance in improving host plant productivity and ultimately enhancing silk worm yield. Such insights contribute to sustainable sericulture practices, ensuring continued silk production while minimizing environmental impact.

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