Infectious Disease (Fungal, Bacterial, Viral, and Nematodal) of Mulberry Plant and Its Control Measure: A Review

Sericulture is an allied agricultural activity. It is concerned with the production of silk (and its byproducts). The silks produced in sericulture can be widely categorized as Mulberry silks and Non-Mulberry silks (also called Vanya silk meaning wild silks). Mulberry silk is most widely produced and it plays an essential role in the economic growth of the industry. Mulberry silk is obtained by rearing mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori L). During rearing, they are fed mulberry leaves which are obtained from the mulberry plants; the primary food plant of the silkworm. The mulberry plant is perennial in nature. It belongs to the Moraceae family and the genus Morus with a wide variety of species, viz. Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus serrata, etc. Mulberry plants are widely distributed all around the world in Tropical, Subtropical, and Temperate regions. It finds its early roots in Southeast Asia. The Mulberry plant falls prey to many diseases caused by various organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes. The occurrence and severity of the diseases vary with season, varieties, agro-climatic zones, and the cultural practices that are undertaken. These diseases affect the mulberry leaves, stems, and different parts of the plant. Affected plants stop the growth and reduced leaf yield. As well as, these leaves are not suitable for silkworm feeding. This review mainly focuses on infectious diseases (fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode) of mulberry plants and their management.