An Introduction to Biotechnology Driven Advances for Silkworm Improvement and Sustainable Perspectives

Silkworms have been cultivated for centuries across the world, primarily for silk production. The relentless pursuit of enhanced silk yield, quality, and survival was augmented by the application of biotechnological tools and resources to the otherwise traditional and conventional industry. Genome sequencing of Bombyx mori and the databases available on the public domain have been quite useful in integrating molecular approaches with conventional breeding methods for evolving silkworm hybrids with higher productivity and quality and sustainable yields for adverse climatic conditions. Over the years, various research groups have identified a large number of genes/proteins differentially expressed or associated with disease resistance/tolerance and also quite a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs), which especially leads to the development of Bombyx mori breeds/hybrids by gene expression/manipulation. The development of molecular diagnostic methods for various silkworm diseases has also impacted the sustainability in the field. These efforts have ushered a new era of precision and innovation in silkworm improvement for specific or desired trait(s) such as silk productivity and quality; tolerance to diseases, high temperature, and relative humidity; and general survival and adaptability. The research collaborations are proving to be vital in translating the outputs from basic science in mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms to counter biotic and abiotic stress into the commercially beneficial applications. Functional genomics hold vast potential to improve the quality of produce by offering directions into gene mining, gene drive, genetic manipulation, and molecular breeding. Currently, the impact of biotechnological advances in enhancing silk production is in transformative phase and needs continuous efforts as the potential benefits have far-reaching implications in improving silk productivity/quality and generation of novel biomaterials. The most plausible approaches for the development of silkworm breeds with improved silk quality, disease resistance/tolerance, and sustainable productivity include marker-assisted selection (MAS) and transgenic and genome editing tools. This chapter provides an overview of significant biotechnological advances made/undertaken to develop novel and pathbreaking silkworm genetic resources and also perspectives for greater interventions utilizing functional genomics, molecular-assisted breeding, genome editing tools, etc. paving the way for sustainable sericulture.