Effect of adult nutrition and insect density on the performance of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus in laboratory cultures

Abstract

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is being successfully reared on artiWcial diets for screening programmes. Besides quality characteristics of the diet, rearing density and adult nutrition have signiWcant implications on the successful mass multiplication of lepidopterans. The performance of C. partellus moths was assessed on diVerent adult diets (water and sugar solution) and compared with unfed adults. Further, three pairing densities, viz. 2, 5 and 8 pairs/oviposition jar (1177.5 cm 3 ) were compared for their eVect on C. partellus longevity and fecundity. In another experiment, diVerent larval densities (100, 150 and 200 neonate larvae/diet jar) were evaluated for their eVect on the larval survival. Water-fed moths (both males and females) lived longer (7.32 and 7.26 days, respectively) and showed higher fecundity (307.17 eggs) than the sugar-fed or unfed moths. The latter, however, showed better egg hatchability (76.55%) than the water-or sugar-fed moths (60.45 and 50.59%, respectively). The longevity (5.67 days) and fecundity (258.46 eggs) were signiWcantly greater at pairing density of 2 pairs/jar. The larval survival was higher (58.50%) at rearing density of 100 larvae/jar. The neonate larval release into diet jars was compared with conventional egg release and both modes were no diVerent with respect to larval survival.

Soybean Cultivars Affecting Performance of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…The highest level of general proteolytic activity was in the artificial diet-fed larvae (Figure 1), suggesting its nutritionally balanced composition. Artificial diets are usually complete nourishments formed for high insect performance and commonly considered to be better than natural diets (Hari et al, 2007). According to Kotkar et al (2009) H. armigera fed on artificial diet completed its life cycle somewhat early compared with natural diets.…”

Digestive proteolytic and amylolytic activities of Helicoverpa armigera in response to feeding on different soybean cultivars

“…The highest level of general proteolytic activity was in the artificial‐diet‐fed larvae, reflecting its nutritionally balanced composition. Artificial diets are usually complete foods designed for high insect performance and usually considered to be better than natural diets 39. It was observed by Kotkar et al 30 that H. armigera fed on artificial diet completed its life cycle rather early in comparison with any kind of natural diet.…”

Effect of adult age and insect density of Dicyphus tamaninii Wagner (Heteroptera: Miridae) on progeny

“…Increased density in laboratory-reared insects causes a great mortality (Fox et al 1999;Grundy et al 2000;Gibbs et al 2004;Hari et al 2008). In the present study, nymphal mortality was not signiWcantly dependant on the density in the laying cages (75-150 adults).…”