Pest management laboratory has been established in 1986 in the institute. This laboratory has been providing vital and relevant basic information on various pests that appear and cause considerable damage to the mulberry as well as silkworms in the field. The section is involved in identifying and prioritizing the research activities based on field problems. During the past two decades the section has taken up projects to benefit the sericulture farmers directly. This laboratory continues to identify and address field-oriented problems and come out successfully with cost viable and eco friendly management strategies against the pests that cause considerable loss to the sericulture industry.

• To evolve management strategies against the pests of mulberry and silkworm.

1. Biological control.
2. Plant based products.
3. Semi chemicals for pest management.

Predators of mealy bug		N.thymus - parasitoid of uzi fly	Uzi trap

1. Management of mulberry pests through plant products.
2. Evaluation of performance and establishment of Natural Enemy complex of Uzi Fly Exorista bombycis in different agroclimatic sericultural zones.
3. Identification of DNA markers associated with disease and pest resistance in mulberry (Morus sp.).

• Training on mass production of biocontrol agents.

Mass production of mealy bug predators		Mass production of Nesolynx thymus - parasitoid of uzi fly

• Imparting training to Govt. Officials/NGOs/Farmers on pest management.
• Supply of biocontrol agents to farmers on cost basis.
• Guiding M.Sc. students for their dissertation work.
• Ph.D guidance- One recognized Ph D. guide affiliated to Mysore University.
• Identification of pest and suggestion for its management both in field and lab.

1. The laboratory is well equipped to take up all research work in the field pest management.
2. Insectary facilities available for maintenance of nucleus cultures of parasitoids of silkworm pests.
3. Insectary for maintenance of parasitoids and predators of mulberry pests.
4. Facility for small-scale production of biocontrol agents.
5. Facility for experimental silkworm rearing of about 50 dfls.

One hundred and twenty five (125).

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Eri Research Unit was established under Pest Management Laboratory during 2004-05.

Castor ( Ricinus communis) the major food plants of eri silkworm Samia cynthia, is widely cultivated in southern states of India mainly for oil purpose It has been reported that upto 25-40% of the leaves of castor can be harvested and used for eri silkworm rearing without adversely affecting the seed yield. This has a potential of generating an additional income of about 6000- 7000 rupees /acre/year to the poor farmers of rural areas. Eri Research Unit under Pest Management Laboratory aims to study the feasibility of ericulture as an additional income and employment generating opportunity to castor growers of Karnataka.

Rural empowerment through generation of additional income and employment by way of growing eri silkworm rearing.

1. Assessment of leaf yield and effect of defoliation on seed yield of najor cultivating varieties of castor.
2. Standardization or eri silkworm rearing and bioassay studies on cultivated varieties of castor.

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