Viruses developed to protect “Muga silkworm”

Researchers at a university in Britain have developed viruses that could halt the decline of “Muga” caterpillar in India which produces one of the finest silks in the world.

• Muga caterpillars produce a highly valuable silk are dying from bacterial infections in Assam.
• Muga silk is produced only in the North East India as the silkworms form their cocoons. The caterpillars have been in decline over the last few years because they areeating infected leaves.