COI gene-based identification and phylogenetic analysis of silkworm (Bombyx mori) from Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan
Abstract
The silkworm ( Bombyx mori ) is an important species in the sericulture industry, which contributes significantly to global silk production. However, identifying and distinguishing different strains of B. mori has been challenging, especially at the larval stages, where morphological similarities are prominent. This study aims to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of B. mori from the Changa Manga Forest, Punjab, Pakistan, by using mtDNA COI gene sequences. The DNA was extracted from thorax tissue and amplified using the COI gene’s universal primers. The obtained DNA sequences were trimmed and analyzed using BioEdit. After trimming the ambiguous bases, the DNA sequences were submitted to Genba n k and accession numbers were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis was performed through Neighbor-joining method using 100 bootstrap pseudo-replicates in MEGA X. The results showed that the B. mori strains present in Pakistan exhibited a high d e gree of genetic identity with Chinese strains. The mean genetic divergence of B. mori from Bombyx mandarina was found to be 0.016 ± 0.003. Furthermore, entropy plot analysis revealed both conserved and variable regions within the COI gene. The present study underscores the potential of the COI gene as a key marker for silkworm species identification and genetic characterization, contributing to the improvement of sericulture practices. The findings also have implications for biodiversity conservation and forensic applications in the sericulture industry. Future research with larger sample sizes across different regions will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic diversity and strain characteristics of B. mori , which is crucial for enhancing silk production and sustainable sericulture practices.References
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