Basic Science Sector

Citation:

Sorour, M. A., O. Khamiss, A. A. S. El-Wahab, M. A. K. El-Sheikh, and S. Abul-Ela, "An Economically Modified Semi-Synthetic Diet for Mass Rearing the Egyptian Cotton Leaf Worm SpodopteraLittolaris", Academic Journal of Entomology, 2011.

Abstract:

This work was aimed to evaluate a simplified semi-synthetic diet based on combination of starch/agarfor mass rearing of Spodopteralittoralis. Two modified semi-synthetic diets (A & B) proved successful inmaintaining the culture of S. littoralis for five successive generations without apparent adverse effectsthroughout the insect stages. The mean values of tested biological parameters were determined on the rearedinsects fed on either of the modified diets. The results showed a higher larval weight, pupal weight, adultemergence, fertility and development index as compared to the agar-based standard diet of Shorey and Hale(1965). Whereas, percentage pupation, survival, fecundity and sex ratio were non-significantly different in thetested treatments. Moreover, the cost of ingredient reduced by 45.6% and 33.3% per one liter of diets A andB, respectively as compared to the agar-based standard diet. The obtained results provide an economicallyviable diet for mass rearing, thus promising for large-scale production of S. littoralis laboratory culture.

Notes:

n/a