Journal of Biology and Nature

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, is closely dependent on climatic conditions. The domesticated species Bombyx mori is particularly sensitive to environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and photoperiod. In recent years, climate change has posed a serious threat to the sustainability of this sector. Variations in temperature, prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels have direct impacts on mulberry growth-the sole food source for Bombyx mori-as well as on the physiological performance and productivity of the silkworms themselves. These environmental shifts negatively influence larval development, cocoon quality, and overall silk yield, while also increasing vulnerability to diseases and reducing reproductive efficiency. This review examines the wide-ranging effects of climate change on mulberry cultivation, silkworm health, and cocoon production. It further explores adaptation measures, including breeding heat-tolerant silkworm strains, adopting improved agronomic practices, and implementing climate-resilient technologies in sericulture. Addressing these challenges is essential to maintain the sustainability and profitability of silk production, particularly in developing nations where sericulture plays a key role in supporting rural livelihoods.