113,854 research outputs found
Analyzing the Mass-Rearing System of the California Red Scale Parasitoid Aphytis melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Get PDFResults from studies to improve mass rearing production of the parasitoid Aphytis melinus De Bach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are presented. Parasitoid production was carried out following standard commercial procedures using an alternative host, Aspidiotus nerii Bouché (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), infesting Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne) (Cucurbitaceae), butternut squash. We found that the initial number of A. melinus adults introduced into rearing cages to start production and the scale/parasitoid ratio in those cages profoundly influenced future parasitoid production. We also observed that scale parasitism was positively correlated with the production of parasitoid adults, but this relationship was negatively correlated if > 2.6 parasitoids per d, per cm2, were used in the cages to start parasitism. Supplemental honey (provided on the squash surface) had no clear impact on parasitoid production or survival, but improved host parasitism. Approximately 47% of the host scale population on squash was parasitized, with another 43.1% of the population recorded as dead. We found that ≤ 10 host scales per cm2 on squash was an adequate density for mass production purposes
The David-Gardiner Method of Feeding Lepidopterous Larvae on a Semi-Synthetic Diet
Get PDF[excerpt] One of the most interesting entomological developments in re- cent years has been the introduction of semi-synthetic diets for feed- ing lepidopterous larvae. Vanderzant and Reiser (1956a, 1956b) reared pink bollworms (Pectinophora gossypiella) on such a medium. The medium was subsequently modified by Ignoffo (1963), who experimented with mass-rearing of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), and by oth- ers. The method showing the most spectacular results is that of David and Gardiner (19651, which, since its publication, has been proven suitable for a number of species with diverse feeding habits. Although not a universal pabulum for larvae, the David-Gardiner formula de- serves to be better known in America as it solves two of the problems encountered in rearing many larvae; viz., it provides (1) a readily available food which may be (2) sterilized to eliminate disease
Observations on the artificial fertilization of eggs and larval rearing of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L.
Get PDFThe results are presented of attempts to artificially fertilize Mugil cephalus eggs in the Philippines. Embryonic development is outlined and rearing of the larvae described. Mass mortality occurred during week 3 of rearing
History of the International Organization for Biological Control Global Working Group on Mass Rearing and Quality Assurance
Get PDFThe International Organization for Biological Control Global Working Group on Mass Rearing and Quality Assurance (MRQA) was established in 1980 as the Working Group on Quality Control (WGQC) to assure success of insect mass rearing for pest management that was being developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Due mostly to the efforts of WGQC, quality control became institutionalized in several insect mass rearing facilities during the 1980s. After addressing autocidal control programs, the WGQC concentrated on entomophagous insects, especially testing the quality of commercial biological control products. Universal Implementation of Quality Control for Mass-Reared Arthropods was finally achieved in the 1990s, having encompassed all aspects from insect production to field application and evaluation. This increased scope prompted a name change from WGQC to Arthropod Mass Rearing and Quality Control (AMRQC). Subsequently, the scope of the Working Group was expanded again and it was renamed MRQA to include a range of applications for mass-reared beneficial invertebrates. The geographic range of MRQA recently was extended beyond North and South America and Europe to include India. This expansion continued as insects for food and feed, networking and instruction, and legal and ethical issues were added to the most recent workshop held in Mexico. Thus, the MRQA continues to evolve as additional invertebrate organisms are mass produced for both established and novel applications
Feasibility of Using Cryostored Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Eggs for Rearing \u3ci\u3eEdovum Puttleri\u3c/i\u3e (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Get PDFCryostored eggs of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) eggs were suitable hosts for Edovum puttleri. Parasitism rates were low, however this study was first to show that rearing the parasite on eggs stored at ultra low temperatures (-70 0 C) is feasible. This method of storage will facilitate mass production of E. puttleri as well as prevent loss of the parasite in the event of a crash in the Colorado potato beetle colony
Evaluation of citrus, butternut and sprouting potato as mass rearing substrates for the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae (Brain) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Get PDFBiological control programs of mealybug species have relied on sprouting potatoes, pumpkins and butternut for rearing of both mealybugs and their natural enemies. In this study, the suitability of sprouting potatoes, butternuts and citrus as mass rearing substrates for the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae was investigated. Developmental times, rate and fecundity on each substrate were determined and compared at three different temperatures. The developmental time on sprouting potatoes was shorter than on citrus. P. burnerae was unable to complete its life cycle on butternut. The rate of development increased linearly with an increase in temperature on both sprouting potatoes and citrus. P. burnerae required 666.7 degree-days on citrus and 434.8 degree-days on sprouting potatoes which is above lower developmental thresholds of 7.6 and 10.4°C, respectively, to complete one generation. The mean number of eggs per female was higher on sprouting potatoes (121.3) than on citrus (68), but declined with an increase in temperature from 22 to 27°C. Despite the shorter shelf life, sprouting potatoes are the preferred host for mass rearing of the oleander mealybug.Key words: Paracoccus burnerae, temperature, degree-days, mass rearing, nymphal, fecundity, rate of development, lower developmental threshold, thermal constant
Health of the black soldier fly and house fly under mass-rearing conditions:innate immunity and the role of the microbiome
Get PDFRearing insects for food and feed is a rapidly growing industry, because it provides excellent opportunities for a sustainable approach to animal protein production. Two fly species, the black soldier fly (BSF) and the house fly (HF), naturally live in decaying organic matter (e.g. compost), and can thus be effectively reared on organic rest streams from the food and agricultural industry. The adoption of these insects as mini-livestock on microbially rich substrates, however, requires us to address how we can safeguard insect health under mass-rearing conditions. In this review, we discuss what is known about the innate immunity of insects in general, especially focusing on a comparative approach to current knowledge for the two dipteran species BSF and HF. We also discuss environmental factors that may affect innate immunity in mass-rearing settings, including temperature, insect densities and diet composition. Furthermore, we address the role of the microbiome in insect health and the associations of these fly species with detrimental or beneficial microbes. Finally, we present a perspective on important open scientific questions for optimizing the mass rearing of these insects with respect to their health and welfar
PERFORMA PRODUKSI DAN KUALITAS TELUR AYAM KETARRAS PADA SISTEM PEMELIHARAAN KANDANG BATERAI DAN UMBARAN
Get PDFThe aim of the study was to evaluate egg production performance and egg quality of Ketarras chickens in battery and umbaran rearing system. The study used 100 female Ketarras chickens aged 20 weeks; divided into 2 groups of maintenance systems, namely 50 in the battery cage and 50 in the umbaran rearing. The research was conducted at the Commercial Zone and Animal Laboratory (CZAL) Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. Variables of production performance include: feed consumption, egg weight, percentage of egg production, egg mass production and feed conversion, while egg quality variables include: sample egg weight, egg index, yolk color, yolk weight, albumen weight, egg shell weight and shell thickness egg. Sampling for observation of egg quality was 100 eggs in each rearing system. Production performance data is discussed descriptively, while egg quality data is analyzed using the t test. The results of the evaluation of production performance showed that feed consumption and feed conversion in battery cages were lower with egg weight, egg production percentage and egg mass production being higher than in umbaran rearing system. The results of the t test showed that the rearing system had no significant effect (t count<t table) on all egg quality variables. It can be concluded that the egg production performance of Ketarras chickens in battery cages is better than in umbaran rearing system without any difference in egg quality.
Keyword : Ketarras Chicken, Rearing System, Performance, Egg Qualit
Growth performance, conversion and survival rates of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) reared on various livestock diets
Get PDFThe yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) started recently to be used as a feed and food to replace traditional products. The optimization of mass rearing conditions and the choice of appropriate diets are the most important factors governing the production of these insects and secondary products. The aim of this study was to study the performance of T. molitor on six affordable animal feed diets (two different dairy cow feeds, calf starter feed, chick starter and grower feeds and wheat bran) in addition to a control diet based on wheat bran and starter feed for Chick (60:40 ratio). Larvae showed the highest mass gain and growth rate when fed on wheat bran only. The control and the wheat bran diets were the most consumed by T. molitor larvae, while the other feeds were less appreciated. Conversion and survival rates did not vary significantly between the diets. The results should be taken into consideration for large scale mass-rearing of T. molitor.
Keywords: Animal feeds; growth rate; mass rearing; weight gain; yellow mealworm
Kin Recognition in Tadpoles of Rana luteiventris reared in different densities
Get PDFAfter rearing Rana luteiventris tadpoles at high (80-100/L) and low (2/L) densities, I tested tadpoles for kin discriminatory behavior in a standardized choice tank. To test whether density manipulations influenced growth, I measured tadpole mass at metamorphosis. Results suggest that density manipulations were not effective, as tadpole mass at metamorphosis was not different between treatments. However, tadpoles exhibited kin discriminatory behavior irrespective of density treatments. My results suggest spotted frog tadpoles exhibit kin discriminatory behavior, although it is still unknown whether rearing conditions may influence such behavior
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