Results
3.1. Pathogenecity of B. subtilis
Inoculation of B. subtilis to third instar larvae of B. mori reduced feeding activity. The vomiting and gradual shrinking of larvae with the progression of disease were the prominent symptoms ( Fig. 1). Mortality attributable to infection occurred in group A and B, at about 72 and 96 hours post inoculation (h.p.i.), respectively. Moulting was delayed by nearly 24 h in both the inoculated groups as compared with control. The overall mortality was 77.9% and 64.6% with higher and lower doses, respectively ( Table 1). The larvae of group “A” that received a low dose, were able to spin cocoons and reached to adult stage. The larvae inoculated with higher dose were unable to reach the adult stage and died during spinning ( Fig. 2).