To survey and establish population diversity of Oak Tasar silkworm across North Eastern Region of India using Whole Genome Sequencing
Silk production as a small-scale industry is one of the important sources of livelihood for people in the north east states of India. The Muga silk moth is used for silk production and so is Tasar silk moth. The Tasar silk quality is much sought after for its luster but the moths are under exploited because of lack of knowledge about its behavioral ecology and lack of established facilities. Common diseases of the moths are a problem that need to be addressed so that egg production can be increased. Use of Phyto semi chemicals like Kairomones involved in host selection by female moths for oviposition will go a long way in helping the silk industry and increasing the income of small-time farmers. With several international organizations like the UNESCO, WWF and Conservation international declaring the North east region as an ecological and biodiversity hotspot, extreme efforts are needed to promote cultural industry development like Tasar silk production which will provide an economic boost to the small-time farmers in NER in the most eco-friendly manner. To achieve this, focused and collaborative efforts to sequence the WHOLE GENOME of the silkworm which are needed to develop novel methods for increased and quality silk production. In this context, Chemical ecology as an emerging field will provide the needed support and help build collaborations much needed in the NER.