Climate Resilience in Non-mulberry Sericulture: A Genomic Perspective
摘要
The intensifying effects of climate change, primarily resulting from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, present significant threats to global agricultural systems. In this context, non-mulberry sericulture-centered on the rearing of wild silkmoths such as Antheraea mylitta, Antheraea assamensis, and Samia cynthia ricini—offers a viable and sustainable approach to strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting rural economies. This chapter examines the genomic perspective of climate resilience in non-mulberry sericulture, emphasizing its role in carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and biodiversity enhancement. Non-mulberry silks, including tasar, muga, and eri varieties, offer unique adaptive advantages, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability. Despite its notable ecological advantages, non-mulberry sericulture is susceptible to climatic variability, especially changes in temperature, humidity levels, and the occurrence of extreme weather conditions. As ectothermic organisms, silkworms are particularly sensitive to both biotic and abiotic stressors, which can adversely affect their development and reproductive performance. Diapause and phenological shifts in Antheraea species highlight their adaptive strategies under climatic stress. Innovations in genomics, including whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, offer tools to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning silkworm resilience, silk quality, and environmental adaptation. Key advancements include the mapping of A. mylitta and A. assamensis genomes, identification of stress-responsive genes, and analysis of gut microbiota, which influence metabolic adaptation and immune responses. Multi-omics approaches, particularly integrated systems biology, facilitate a comprehensive understanding of silkworm physiology, genetics, and interaction with environmental stressors. Genomic resources, including transcriptome assemblies, molecular markers (ISSR, SSR, RAPD-SCAR), and mitogenomic analyses, have elucidated genetic diversity and evolutionary adaptations among non-mulberry silkworm ecoraces. Additionally, the exploration of silkworm food plants using genomic and metabolomic tools highlights the importance of resilient host plants in sustaining sericulture under climate change. Innovative breeding strategies, leveraging genomics-assisted selection and genome editing technologies, can develop climate-resilient silkworm strains with enhanced productivity and stress tolerance. Pangenomics and metagenomic studies further support conservation efforts and biodiversity management. This chapter underscores the critical role of genomics in non-mulberry sericulture to address climate change impacts, ensuring sustainable silk production and the preservation of ecological integrity for future generations.