author(s)
GP Singh, MM Baig, J Singh, JP Pandey, AK Sinha and KB Jena

abstract
Among diseases of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury pebrine caused by Nosema mylitensis is highly contagious and more prevalent due to its transovarial transmission causing vertical infection directly from parents to offspring leading to death of worms. The aim of the present investigation was to develop a chemical reagent for easy and quick identification of N. mylittensis spores during mother moth microscopic examination under light microscopy to check the spread of disease through vertical infection. Various chemicals which are known for cleaning and cell lyses were tested. Of the tested chemicals, sarcosyl (2.0%), Sodium dodecyl sulphate (1.0%) and surf excel quick wash (2.0 %) have shown promising results. The visibility in microscopic field was very clear, no cellular debris observed, spores clearly visible and easy to identify. Liberation of spore from infected tissues was also much high (7,72,000 to 8,53,000 spores/cm³). These promising chemicals were combined to form the chemical reagent for efficient detection of pebrine spores. The treatment with chemical reagent increased the visibility and clarity in microscopic field and quantum of spores was also higher (9, 12, 000 spores/cm³) and easy to identify. This chemical reagent is showing promising results in the tasar grain ages across the country in enhancement of production of disease free layings (DFLS) and thus helps in doubling of farmer’s income through heathy silkworm rearing.