The Role of Silkworm Host Plants in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Carbon Sequestration: A Review

The modern world is weighed down by the difficulties posed by climate change and global warming, which are predominantly the result of human actions. The heightened emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by humanity are primarily accountable for the upward trajectory in global temperatures recorded over the past 70 years. The level of CO2 has demonstrated a significant upward trend, increasing by 50% in the atmosphere, from roughly 280 ppm to almost 416 ppm (CO2 Earth, 2021) by volume since the industrial revolution began. Studies indicate that global warming must be restricted to a maximum of 1.5°C; surpassing this limit, even by a mere half degree, will considerably increase the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat, and poverty affecting hundreds of millions of individuals. Therefore, it is essential to formulate a thorough strategy for climate mitigation, with carbon sequestration emerging as a significant component of the solution. Increasing the carbon sink ability of the biosphere through carbon sequestration in biomass and soil has been identified as an essential strategy for tackling climate change and reducing the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. International initiatives are currently being implemented to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases, with plants acknowledged as the most economical means of absorbing green carbon. Sericulture exemplifies an environmentally friendly, nature-based practice that provides both ecological restoration and livelihood support. Through its host plants, sericulture plays a crucial role as a carbon sink. The mulberry plant (Morus spp.) is recognized as an optimal choice for sustainable development. Studies are also carried out to evaluate the carbon sequestration capabilities of host plants for eri and muga silkworms.