Laboratory culture of stem borer, Aeolesthes holosericea F., method developed

Abstract

AbstractAeolesthes holosericea, a polyphagous stem borer has been reported to damage up to 40% of tropical tasar silkworm host-plants wherever infestation is high. Known control measures are not very effective as information on its life cycle and susceptible stages against insecticides and bio-agents are insufficient. Laboratory culture of the insect is inevitable for developing control measures as the insect passes most of its life within stem tissues. Culture method of other borer species was not applied to it due to sophistication of process. A convenient laboratory culture method has been developed for the insect. The culture includes complete larval rearing; preservation of pupa; rearing and mating of adults followed by oviposition, incubation and hatching. Other available culture methods are incomplete and hence of little applied value. The present method is simple, economic and easy to be adopted in absence of a sophisticated laboratory having provision for stepwise observation to suit testing of control measures. This method can be utilized by Agriculture and Forest Entomologists and Sericulturists for testing and developing its control measures to save precious forests and to increase production of tasar silk. Anybody can be trained easily.