The Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru's Srirampura is testing a transgenic, the first-of-its kind silkworm in India, which will eventually help fight off BmNPV (Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus), which causes Grasserie disease in silkworms, The Times of India has reported.
According to a textile ministry document, the genetically modified worms "can prevent the losses caused by the Grasserie disease, which is responsible for up to 20 per cent crop loss in silkworm".The Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru's Srirampura is testing a transgenic, the first-of-its kind silkworm in India, which will eventually help fight off BmNPV (Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus), which causes Grasserie disease in silkworms, The Times of India has reported.
According to a textile ministry document, the #
Scientists are also confident that the transgenic silkworms can prevent this loss as they develop resistance to the virus causing the disease. Grasserie disease, generally caused in the summers, affects the cocoon production considerably. Silk farmers in Karnataka's Silk City Ramanagaram, about 50km southwest of Bengaluru, say this year has been worse due to the Grasserie. (SH)
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