An overview of the infectious diseases of edible wild silkworm Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Abstract Chinese oak silkworm Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville 1855 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is an economically important insect used for food consumption and silk production. Unlike domestic silkworm Bombyx mori L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) whose larvae are reared indoors, A. pernyi larvae are still reared outdoors in oak tree on the hillside that are inevitably exposed to various pathogens. These pathogens can cause nearly 40% loss of potential yield. With the accumulation of experience and knowledge, notable progress has been made in the prevention and control of A. pernyi infectious diseases. In this review, we summarise the research status of A. pernyi infectious diseases in production, including 2 viruses, 5 pebrines, 5 bacterioses, and 1 muscardine, focusing on their pathogen biology, typical symptoms, epidemiological law, and pathogen detection. The prevention and control of A. pernyi infectious diseases in practice were outlined. The quarantine system, disease-resistant breeding, and will-be control of A. pernyi diseases by genomics were discussed. This review provides a basis for future research to prevent and control the infectious diseases of wild silkworms.