DISINFECTION AND HYGIENE TECHNOLOGY USING ASTHRA AND ANKUSH FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SILKWORM DISEASES

Disinfection and hygiene are integral part of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. rearing and plays an important role in the elimination of pathogenic microbes. Use of effective disinfectant for eliminating the pathogens from the rearing environment and use of bed disinfectant to disinfect the silkworm body and rearing seat are important aspects in prevention of diseases during rearing. Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSR&TI), Mysore has developed two products viz., Asthra, a new spray disinfectant for disinfection of rearing house and appliances and Ankush, a user friendly bed disinfectant for prevention of spread of all common diseases. Asthra, is a chlorine based disinfectant and is effective against all common silkworm pathogens at 0.05% concentration. The disinfectant is found to be effective in disinfecting the contaminated rearing house and rearing appliances. This disinfectant was test verified at farmers’ level and found effective. Similarly, Ankush which is effective in preventing the spread of silkworm diseases during rearing was also tested at the farmer’s level and the results confirmed its efficacy. Disinfection and Hygiene technology was developed using Asthra and Ankush for the management of silkworm diseases and test verified and found effective. These two products were commercialized for large-scale production and showing wide acceptance among farmers.