Mulberry Pests and Diseases: Identification, Symptoms, and Integrated Management Practices

Introduction

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the principal host plant for silkworms (Bombyx mori) and an important crop in sericulture and fodder systems. Like any crop, mulberry suffers from a variety of pests and diseases which reduce leaf yield and quality — directly impacting silk production and plant health.

Effective management uses Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) — combining cultural, biological, and chemical measures.

Major Mulberry Pests and Management

Here are the key insect pests commonly found in mulberry gardens:

1. Pink Mealybug (Tukra) — (Maconellicoccus hirsutus)

Symptoms & Damage

• Causes Tukra — bunchy top, leaf thickening, wrinkling and reduced leaf yield.
• Severe during summer months. 

Management

• Cultural: Clip infested shoots and destroy by burning.
• Biological: Release predatory ladybird beetles (e.g., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Scymnus coccivora).
• Chemical: Spray 0.2% DDVP (avoid when silkworms are feeding).
• Follow safety periods before leaf harvest. 

2. Bihar Hairy Caterpillar — (Spilarctia obliqua)

Symptoms & Damage

• Young larvae cluster and skeletonize leaves; older larvae feed voraciously.
• Can cause heavy defoliation during monsoon seasons.

Management

• Remove & destroy egg masses and larvae.
• Release Trichogramma chilonis (Tricho cards) weekly.
• Spray 0.15% DDVP (following safety protocols).

3. Cutworm — (Spodoptera litura)

Symptoms & Damage

• Attacks young shoots, cutting them off at soil level.
• Also feeds on foliage. 

Management

• Handpick egg masses and caterpillars.
• Plough to expose and reduce populations.
• Use pheromone traps (spodolure) to catch males and break the breeding cycle.
• Targeted insecticide sprays at recommended timings.

4. Wingless Grasshopper — ( Neorthecris acuticeps nilgirensis )

Symptoms & Damage

• Nymphs and adults feed on leaves and buds; damaging foliage.

Management

• Remove alternate host plants and weeds.
• Spraying 0.076% DDVP during peak infestations.

Other pests: Leaf webber, thrips, spiraling whitefly, scale insects, root/ stem borers, termites, and white grubs also attack mulberry though usually at lower incidence.

Major Mulberry Diseases and Management

Mulberry diseases are mostly fungal in nature, though some bacterial and viral diseases can occur.

1. Powdery Mildew — ( Phyllactinia corylea )

Symptoms

• White powdery patches on leaf undersides; upper surfaces turn chlorotic and leathery.
• Aggressive during rainy and cool periods. 

Management

• Remove and destroy diseased leaves.
• Maintain adequate soil moisture and organic matter.
• Spray 0.1% Carbendazim or 0.2% Sulphur when needed.
• Avoid overhead irrigation immediately after spraying.

2. Leaf Spot — (Cercospora moricola)

Symptoms

• Brownish, irregular spots that may coalesce, causing leaves to yellow and shed.
• Favored by humid conditions.

Management

• Spray Carbendazim/Bavistin at recommended concentration.
• Practice sanitation — remove and burn infected leaves. 

3. Leaf Rust — (Cerotelium fici)

Symptoms

• Small brown/black pustules on leaf undersides and yellowing.
• Defoliation in severe cases.

Management

• Spraying Copper oxychloride or Blitox per label instructions.
• Strong sanitation practices help reduce inoculum.

4. Root Rot — (Macrophomina phaseolina)

Symptoms

• Sudden wilting and yellowing; roots decay and turn black.
• Plants easily uprooted. 

Management

• Use disease-free planting material.
• Soil application of neem cake boosts soil health and suppresses pathogens.
• Some integrated biopesticide formulations show effectiveness when applied near root zones.
• Prune and burn severely affected plants.

Principles of Effective Mulberry IPDM

To sustainably protect mulberry crops:

1. Regular Monitoring

Weekly scouting helps detect pest outbreaks early, making control easier and less expensive.

2. Cultural Sanitation

• Remove diseased plant parts.
• Maintain weed-free gardens.
• Proper plant spacing for good airflow reduces humidity diseases.
• Avoid repeated overhead irrigation during high humidity.

3. Biological Control

Use natural enemies like:

• Trichogramma parasitoids for caterpillars
• Predatory beetles for mealybugs
• Microbial agents (e.g., Trichoderma, Bacillus spp.). 

This reduces chemical dependence and protects silkworms. 

4. Judicious Chemical Use

Apply pesticides only when necessary and follow recommended doses and safe harvest intervals crucial if leaves are being used to feed silkworms. 

Conclusion

Mulberry cultivation forms the backbone of quality silk production. While pests like mealybugs, hairy caterpillars, and cutworms, and diseases like powdery mildew, leaf rust, and root rot can significantly reduce leaf yield, their timely identification and integrated management ensures healthy crops and higher productivity.

By combining cultural practices, biological control, and careful chemical use, farmers can maintain robust mulberry gardens and support sustainable sericulture.