Seminar of the Department of Microbiology

Microorganisms in silkworm farming: Balancing benefits and risks

Siripuk Suraporn - Assistant Professor- Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University (Thailand)

22.06.2023, 11:00 - ONLINE & IN PRESENCE

• Join online
• or in presence: Seminarraum Mikrobiologie (Bauteil V)

Abstract

Silkworm farming is one of the key economic drivers for farmers in Thailand. Silk production is an important cottage industry and contributes significantly to the economy. Of late, the silk is not only used for making silk cloth, it can also be used for other purposes; cosmetics, supplementary food, and medical treatments. Waste and frass from silkworm rearing may also be used as fertilizer or for biogas production. However, the greatest challenge in silk production arises from microbial diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, microsporidia, or other fungi. Meanwhile, other microorganisms can be served as beneficial microbes, acting as biological control, and completing with harmful microorganisms. They have the potential to inhibit, or reduce various pathogens while also being used for feed supplementation to enhance growth parameters in silkworms. Utilizing the potential of silkworm gut microbiota and isolated probiotic bacteria emerged as strategic approach to promote silkworm farming within sustainable agroecosystems.