[01] J. A. Chavan, Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India. [02] Y. B. Gaikwad, Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India. [03] A. K. Chougale, Institute of Science, Fort, Mumbai, India. [04] G. P. Bhawane, Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India.

Beauveria bassiana is causative pathogen of white muscardine disease in silkworm Bombyx mori. Occasionally it is responsible for heavy losses to silk industry in many parts of the world. Scrutiny of herbal extracts in the disease management of silkworm, Curcuma longa, Argimone mexicana and Clerodendrum multiflorum showed antifungal activities and these plants were selected for testing their antifungal activities and their doses at 100µl/larva of 6000-ppm concentration were given on calibrated piece of leaf to the B. bassiana inoculated and starved larvae for three consecutive days. Observations on mortality and histopathology of midgut reveals that ethanolic extractive of C. longa has greater potential to check the infection of fungus B. bassiana than the extractive of A. mexicana and C. multiflorum. After making a suitable formulation and evolving farmer friendly strategy of applications, these plant products could be utilized successfully in the management of white muscardine disease in silkworm.

Curcuma longa, Argimone mexicana, Clerodendrum multiflorum, White Muscardine

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