The Journey of Biotechnology in Tasar Sericulture: Past Experiences, Current Strategies, and Future Horizons

This chapter delves into the molecular research that has illuminated pathways and genetic markers critical for enhancing silk production in silkworm, notably tropical tasar silkworm, A. mylitta. The chapter highlights the significance of genomic studies and molecular breeding, emphasizing how these approaches have shifted from traditional breeding methods to more precise, gene-based selections. Through a detailed analysis of breeding techniques, including conventional and molecular breeding, and transgenic research, it demonstrates the advancements in developing tropical tasar silkworm with superior silk yield and quality. Transitioning to breeding strategies, the chapter contrasts conventional breeding with molecular breeding, underscoring the limitations of traditional methods in achieving specific character improvements. It elaborates on the advantages of molecular breeding, particularly marker-assisted selection, in enhancing selection efficiency, reducing breeding cycles, and precisely establishing desirable traits. The discussion extends to the breeding of host plants for silkworms, highlighting the challenges and proposed strategies to overcome these obstacles, such as developing varieties with enhanced leaf yield and resistance to stress factors. Further, the chapter explores the realm of transgenic research in tasar silkworms, focusing on the integration of foreign genes to impart desired characteristics like enhanced silk quality or disease resistance. It discusses the advancements in germline transformation techniques and the potential of transgenic silkworms in producing value-added proteins alongside tasar silk. Additionally, it emphasizes the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in precise genome editing for trait improvement in silkworms. The narrative then shifts to genetic diversity analysis using molecular markers, detailing various markers developed for tasar silkworms and their applications in understanding genetic variation and assisting in selective breeding programs. The chapter underscores the importance of molecular markers in improving host plant quality and the potential of next-generation sequencing technologies in enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of important traits in A. mylitta. In summary, this chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions in the molecular breeding of A. mylitta and host plants. It emphasizes the integration of molecular biology techniques, genetic resources, and advanced breeding strategies as pivotal to unlocking the genetic potential of A. mylitta for increased tasar silk production, thereby contributing to the sustainability and growth of the sericulture industry.