Simple techniques for mass culturing of Tribolium castaneum Herbst and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen - factitious laboratory preys for the green lacewing predators.

摘要

Tribolium castaneum Herbst and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen larvae were identified as better alternate hosts for mass multiplication of the green lacewing predator, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (=carnea) (Esben-Petersen) as against traditional host, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton). Standardisation of host rearing techniques was carried out. A population density of 100 pairs of T. castaneum adult was observed to be an optimum population to produce more biomass in number (2265.00) and weight (244.30 mg) in short duration in 150 g of wheat flour. Similarly, 3 pairs of D. melanogaster was an optimum dose, producing maximum healthier larvae (209), which accounted for 1475.17 g biomass. A number of precautions to be undertaken for efficient insect handling are also included. It may be inferred from the studies that T. castaneum and D. melanogaster are easy to culture, with no health risk hence may be utilized in place of C. cephalonica in augmentative biological control programmes.