Climate-resilient sericulture: Strategies for sustainable silk production in a changing climate

Sericulture is a key agro-based industry that supports rural livelihoods, biodiversity, and regional economies, particularly in Asia. However, the sector is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, which influences mulberry growth, silkworm health, pest and disease prevalence, and habitat sustainability for wild silk species. This review synthesizes current scientific understanding and technological advancements in climate-resilient sericulture, drawing upon multidisciplinary research spanning crop physiology, genetic improvement, ecological modelling, pest management, and socio-economic adaptation. Special attention is given to the four major commercial silks—mulberry (Bombyx mori), tasar (Antheraea mylitta), muga (Antheraea assamensis), and eri (Samia ricini)—and their responses to climatic stressors. Strategies examined include climate-resilient mulberry breeding, silkworm strain improvement, habitat restoration, integrated pest management, and policy measures supporting adaptive livelihoods. The synthesis emphasizes that climate-resilient sericulture requires integrated interventions at genetic, ecological, and socio-economic levels to sustain productivity and rural resilience in the face of escalating climate variability.