Key Biochemical Markers in Silkworms Challenged with Immuno Elicitors and Their Association in Genetic Resistance for Survival

Sericigenous insects like silkworm possess an effective immune system against pathogens. The knowledge on the immune system of these insects implicating the mechanism of resistance to diseases is mainly attributable to the presence of key biomolecules such as an inducible proteins viz., cecropin, attacin, lebocin, moricin and isoforms of enzymes viz., carboxyl esterase and prophenoloxidase which are reproducible qualitative biochemical markers would favor us in enhancing our theoretical level on the mechanism of immunity. Studies on these key biomolecules in silkworms challenged with immuno elicitor viz., lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a function of immunity and survival ability of the silkworms revealed the mode of cellular and humoral functions combating the diseases in nature and these factors can be used by researchers or breeders to identify the appropriate hardy genetic material from the germplasm stock for further breeding work. In this review article an attempt has been made to delineate those key biomolelcules which are qualitatively reproducible and that support survival of the silkworms of Bombyx mori (L). These key factors may be considered to identify the genetic resistance of various silkworm races/breeds of Bombyx mori and documentation of hardy silkworm breeds for field exploitation in different climatic conditions of the tropical zones of the country.