Causal organism of flacherie in the silkworm Antheraea assama Ww: isolation, characterization and its inhibition by garlic extract

Of the different bacterial strains isolated from diseased muga silkworms, the strain named as AC-3 was found to be most pathogenic to the silkworm. Different antibiotics and plant extracts were tested for their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of AC-3. Fresh Allium sativum (garlic extract) was most effective against the strain. The stability and MIC of the garlic extract has also been studied. We report for the first time the effectiveness of garlic extract in controlling the bacterium causing disease in the muga silkworm.