Action of carbendazim on the development of Nosema bombycis Naegeli in silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

Abstract: Carbendazim, a benzimidazole compound is effective in curing pebrine disease in silkworm, Bombyx mori, caused by Nosema bombycis, if treatment is given within 48 h post‐infection or before the parasite establishes itself in the host tissue. Ultrastructural evidence of the action of carbendazim showed an adverse effect of the drug on both merogonic and sporogonic stages of the parasite in the midgut and silk gland of the silkworm. The drug caused elongation, vacuolation and depletion of cytoplasmic contents of the meront, sporont, sporoblast and spore stages of N. bombycis.