Advances in Resistance Mechanisms and Prevention Strategies for Pesticide Poisoning in Silkworms, Bombyx mori

Abstract

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an important economic insect with a long history of cultivation in China, where it supports the sericulture industry valued at tens of billions of CNY annually. However, the use of pesticides in agricultural production is often fatal to the silkworms; lesser exposure can reduce yields, while greater exposure can devastate the economic foundation of the silk industry. Currently, no effective strategies exist to mitigate this issue. Recent studies have begun to characterise the toxicity of several common pesticides, including amides, pyrethroids, nicotinic and organophosphorus pesticides. This review systematically summarises the mechanism of action of these pesticides and discusses their sublethal and lethal effects. We also propose potential countermeasures beyond silkworm resistance breeding, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for preventing pesticide-induced damage and promoting sustainable development in sericulture.