Artificial Diet Research Articles

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil-Enriched Diet on Immune and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity, Fat and Vitellogenin Contents in Newly Emerged and Forager Bees (Apis mellifera L.) Reared in Cages.

Searching for artificial diets positively affecting the survival, immune and antioxidant systems of honey bees is one of main challenges occurring in beekeeping. Among nutrients, lipids play a significant role in insect nutrition as structural components in cell membranes, energy sources and reserves, and are involved in many physiological processes. In this context, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of 0.5% and 1% coconut oil-enriched diet administration on newly emerged and forager bees survival rate, feed intake, immune system, antioxidant system and both fat and vitellogenin content. In newly emerged bees, supplementation with 1% coconut oil determined a decrease in feed consumption, an increase in survival rate from the 3rd to 14th day of feeding, a short-term decrease in phenoloxidase activity, an increase in body fat and no differences in vitellogenin content. Conversely, supplementation with 0.5% coconut oil determined an increase in survival rate from the 3rd to 15th day of feeding and an increase in fat content in the long term (i.e., 20 days). Regarding the forager bee diet, enrichment with 0.5% and 1% coconut oil only determined an increase in fat content. Therefore, supplementation with coconut oil in honey bee diets at low percentages (0.5 and 1%) determines fat gain. Further investigations to evaluate the use of such supplement foods to prevent the fat loss of weak families during winter are desirable.

Larval nutritional effects on male and female survival and fecundity in Anastrepha ludens

AbstractThe three major macronutrients – proteins (P), carbohydrates (C), and lipids (L) – constitute the fundamental nutrient niche. In order to meet their nutritional requirements, organisms need to assess their nutritional state, select suitable foods, and regulate the amount of food eaten. The objective of this study was to determine whether larval nutrition could have a differential effect on female and male survival and fecundity by manipulating the P:C:L ratios in diet environments. We manipulated food availability during the larval stages, subjecting the larvae to food regimes with different P:C:L ratios. Upon adult emergence, we examined the fecundity, fertility, survival, and longevity of the various larval nutrition treatments. We then assessed the reproductive performance (fecundity and egg hatching) under an ad libitum food regime. We found that the concentration of macronutrients in the larval hemolymph indicates that the P:C:L ratio in the larval diet affects the assignment of macronutrients, and this effect is carried over to males and females differently. A larval diet with high carbohydrate content affects the carryover of macronutrients and male and female fitness. According to the life‐history traits, an adult that emerged from a larva with high lipid content in the hemolymph could suggest better health status. Insects with high cold tolerance have high body lipids content. Interactions between lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins suggest that their relative ratios must be taken into consideration in the design and improvement of artificial diets.

Artificial diet for Samia ricini: key considerations and formulation strategies – a review

Abstract This review paper critically examines the components, limitations, and future prospects of artificial diets, and their impact on the rearing performance of Eri silkworm Samia ricini. In conventional rearing practices, the demand for a consistent supply of fresh leaves, particularly from the primary food plant, Ricinus communis (castor), poses significant challenges due to leaf quality variations and scarcity. This predicament sometimes renders the rearing process uncertain and time-consuming. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial diets, particularly those comprising Ricinus communis (castor), soybean, agar agar, preservatives, gelling agents, carbohydrates, sterols, inositol, salt mixtures, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and water, in addressing these challenges. These carefully formulated diets have demonstrated their ability to provide a stable and uniform source of nutrition, significantly impacting key parameters such as hatchability, larval and pupal durations, and shell ratio in comparison to traditional leaf-based diets. Furthermore, the study highlights the potentiality of various artificial diet compositions that can serve as viable alternatives for Samia ricini rearers. By embracing these innovative nutritional approaches, rearers can not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to increased silk production. Through an extensive analysis of experiments and studies, this review underscores the importance of thoughtful diet selection in achieving successful rearing of Samia ricini, paving the way for sustainable and efficient sericulture practices.

Transmission of Xanthomonas albilineans by the spittlebug, Mahanarva fimbriolata (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), in Brazil: first report of an insect vector for the causal agent of sugarcane leaf scald.

Leaf scald is a destructive sugarcane disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson. This pathogen presents the gene cluster SPI-1 T3SS, a conserved feature in pathogens vectored by animals. In this study, the competence of Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål), a spittlebug commonly found in sugarcane fields in Brazil, was evaluated for the transmission of X.albilineans. Artificial probing assays were conducted to investigate the ability of M. fimbriolata adults to acquire X.albilineans from artificial diets containing the pathogen with subsequent inoculation of X.albilineans into pathogen-free diets. Plant probing assays with M. fimbriolata adults were conducted to evaluate the acquisition of X. albilineans from diseased source plants and subsequent inoculation of healthy recipient sugarcane plants. The presence of X.albilineans DNA in saliva/diet mixtures of the artificial probing assays and both insects and plants of the plant probing assays were checked using TaqMan assays. The artificial probing assays showed that M. fimbriolata adults were able to acquire and inoculate X.albilineans in diets. Plant probing assays confirmed the competence of M. fimbriolata to transmit X.albilineans to sugarcane. Over the entire experiment, 42% of the insects had acquired the pathogen and successful inoculation of the pathogen occurred in 18% of the recipient-susceptible sugarcane plants at 72 or 96 h of inoculation access period. Assays evidenced the vector competence of M. fimbriolata for transmission of X.albilineans, opening new pathways for investigating the biology and the economic impacts of the interaction between X.albilineans and M. fimbriolata.

Does cadmium cause cascading effects on the development and reproduction of the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker)?

The heavy metal, cadmium (Cd), causing growth retardation and yield reduction on rice and impacting the fitness of organisms inhabiting on rice through bottom-up effects, has become a great challenge to rice production. However, the effect of Cd-exposure on the development of an economically important and destructive rice pest, Chilo suppressalis remains unexplored. By exposing the larvae of C. suppressalis to different Cd-exposed artificial diets (0, 0.2, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg), we found that Cd exposure did not affect the larval duration or pupation rate of C. suppressalis, but caused negative effects on pupal weight at high Cd levels (5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) and on adult deformity rate from 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg treatments. Although Cd significantly increased the female pupae ratio, C. suppressalis did not oviposit when Cd treatment was more than 2.5 mg/kg. Meanwhile, Cd transferred to pupae, females, exuviae of pupa and eggs of C. suppressalis from Cd treated larvae, and exhibited a dose-dependent response on Cd accumulation. Our results indicated that Cd had a negative effect on rice stem borer and can be transferred to eggs of C. suppressalis, but more work is needed to further assess the bottom-up effect on third tropic levels in Cd-polluted fields.

RNA interference‐mediated silencing of NOA and V‐ATPase subunit D genes results in deformities and mortality in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel, 1912)

AbstractThe Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is one of the five disastrous pests in the world with an economical significance. The guava germplasm resilient to fruit fly is not reported worldwide to date. The utilization of RNA interference (RNAi) approach can offer a promising alternative for fruit fly management in guava. The goal of our investigation is to evaluate the efficiency of dsRNA expression based on Escherichia coli used in B. dorsalis management by addressing its two indispensable genes, fatty acid elongase (NOA) and Vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPases D (v‐ATPase D). An artificial diet having E. coli strain HT115 (DE3) containing BdNOA, Bdv‐ATPase D dsRNA fed to maggots resulted in deformities with drastic mortality in treated adults, emerged pupae and maggots. The deformity together with total mortality in B. dorsalis was recorded at maximum as 74.66% and 64.20% in bacteria expressing dsRNAs of BdNOA and Bdv‐ATPase D, respectively, at 700 μL as compared to 350, 200 μL treatments. Severe deformities were reported such as underdeveloped abdomen, absence of wings, legs and inadequate eclosion along with suppressed target gene expression in B. dorsalis. This investigation thus provides a potential RNAi‐based pest management by targeting two key genes through feeding dsRNA‐expressing bacteria in B. dorsalis.

Feeding Spodoptera exigua larvae with gut-derived Escherichia sp. increases larval juvenile hormone levels inhibiting cannibalism

Feed quality influences insect cannibalistic behavior and gut microbial communities. In the present study, Spodoptera exigua larvae were fed six different artificial diets, and one of these diets (Diet 3) delayed larval cannibalistic behavior and reduced the cannibalism ratio after ingestion. Diet 3-fed larvae had the highest gut bacterial load (1.396 ± 0.556 × 1014 bacteria/mg gut), whereas Diet 2-fed larvae had the lowest gut bacterial load (3.076 ± 1.368 × 1012 bacteria/mg gut). The gut bacterial composition and diversity of different diet-fed S. exigua larvae varied according to the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Enterobacteriaceae was specific to the Diet 3-fed larval gut. Fifteen culturable bacterial isolates were obtained from the midgut of Diet 3-fed larvae. Of these, ten belonged to Escherichia sp. After administration with Diet 1- or 2-fed S. exigua larvae, two bacterial isolates (SePC-12 and -37) delayed cannibalistic behavior in both tested larval groups. Diet 2-fed larvae had the lowest Juvenile hormone (JH) concentration and were more aggressive against intraspecific predation. However, SePC-12 loading increased the JH hormone levels in Diet 2-fed larvae and inhibited their cannibalism. Bacteria in the larval midgut are involved in the stabilization of JH levels, thereby regulating host larval cannibalistic behavior.

UGT89AC1-mediated quercetin glucosylation is induced upon herbivore damage and enhances Camellia sinensis resistance to insect feeding.

Quercetin is a key flavonol in tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) with various health benefits, and it often occurs in the form of glucosides. The roles of quercetin and its glucosylated forms in plant defense are generally not well-studied, and remain unknown in the defense of tea. Here, we found higher contents of quercetin glucosides and a decline of the aglucone upon Ectropis grisescens (E. grisescens) infestation of tea. Nine UGTswere strongly induced, among which UGT89AC1 exhibited the highest activity toward quercetin in vitro and in vivo. The mass of E. grisescens larvae that fed on plants with repressed UGT89AC1 or varieties with lower levels of UGT89AC1 was significantly lower than that of larvae fed on controls. Artificial diet supplemented with quercetin glucoside also reduced the larval growth rate, whereas artificial diet supplemented with free quercetin had no significant effect on larval growth. UGT89AC1 was located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and its expression was modulated by JA, JA-ILE, and MeJA. These findings demonstrate that quercetin glucosylation serves a defensive role in tea against herbivory. Our results also provide novel insights into the ecological relevance of flavonoid glycosides under biotic stress in plants.

Optimization of Brewer's Yeast Quantity in Liquid and Gel Larval Diets for the Mediterranean Fruit Fly.

Several artificial larval diets have been developed, evaluated and used for mass-rearing of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Teprhitidae). There are several efforts to reduce the cost of rearing and optimize the quality of the produced sterile males that are destined for release in sterile insect release programs. Survival, growth, longevity and reproductive capacity of sterile males are strongly connected with the most expensive ingredient, the brewer's yeast (protein), in the larval diet. The current study focused on settling the optimal content of brewer's yeast in a liquid diet and a gel diet. Egg hatch rates, developmental duration of immatures, pupation rate, pupae and adult survival were recorded as indicators of quantity and quality of the produced adults. Egg hatch was higher and larval developmental duration longer in the gel diet. In contrast to the liquid diet, an increase in brewer's yeast concentration was correlated with increased pupation rate and pupae survival in the gel diet. Reducing brewer's yeast up to 50% of its initial quantity had no significant effect on the survival of the emerging adults regardless of the diet type. Our findings may contribute to the production of low-cost and effective diets for use in mass-rearing facilities of medflies.

Development of a bioassay method to test activity of cry insecticidal proteins against Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) sugarcane stem borers.

The genus Diatraea (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) includes stem borers representing the most critical sugarcane pests in the Americas. Colombia's most widely distributed and damaging Diatraea species include Diatraea saccharalis, D. indigenella, D. busckella, and D. tabernella. The reduced efficacy of biological tools commonly used in controlling several species highlights the importance of evaluating alternative management strategies, such as transgenic plants expressing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The selection of optimal Bt insecticidal proteins for Diatraea control depends on bioassays with purified Bt proteins. Because there is no described artificial diet for borer species other than D. saccharalis and availability of most purified Bt toxins is restricted, this study aimed at developing a bioassay method using fresh corn tissue and providing proof of concept by testing susceptibility to the Cry1Ac insecticidal protein from Bt. Toxicity was evaluated with a single Cry1Ac dose applied directly to corn discs. Stem borer mortality after seven days was higher than 90% for all four tested Diatraea species, while control mortality was below 8%. In addition, we observed that Cry1Ac caused more than 90% weight inhibition in all survivors and delayed development. These results validate the use of this method to determine mortality and growth inhibition due to the consumption of the Cry1Ac protein in each of the Diatraea species. Furthermore, this method could be used to assess other entomopathogenic substances to control these insect pests.

Effects of four diets on the metabolism of megalopa metamorphosis of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain

Dietary intake is an essential source of energy and nutrients, and plays an irreplaceable role in the breeding of S. paramamosain seedlings. In this study, live Artemia nauplii (LA), compound feeds (CF), frozen copepods (FC) and frozen adult Artemia (FA) were utilized as feed during the megalopa stage. To determine the impact that diet has on the metabolism of crablets that underwent metamorphosis from the megalopa stage, analyses of both metabolomics and fatty acid content were conducted. In the LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis, a total of 104, 205 and 83 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were identified after being fed with FC, FA, and CF, respectively, as compared to the LA group. Furthermore, significant differences in KEGG compounds among the three comparisons exhibited similarity and were mainly associated with categories such as “Lipids”, “Hormones and transmitters”, and “Peptides”. The fatty acid content analysis indicated that the ΣMUFA was significantly higher in the LA and CF groups compared to the other two groups. In contrast, the highest level of ΣPUFA was found in the LA group. In addition, the CF group showed significantly higher expression levels of the fatty acid synthesis genes, FAS and ACC. Conversely, the expression level of the fatty acid decomposition-related gene CPT1 was the highest in the LA group. In comparison with the FA group, the expression level of FABP3 was significantly decreased in the LA and CF groups. In summary, there were significant differences observed in the metabolic profiles of crablets that metamorphosed from the megalopa under different diets. Our experimental results suggested that LA is more advantageous in the cultivation of the S. paramamosain megalopa compared to the other three diets. While it remains a diet that cannot be entirely substituted at present, LA has the potential to improve the culture performance of the S. paramamosain megalopa. The current study could provide valuable data into the development of artificial diets necessary for the future of the mud crab seedling breeding industry.

Effects of Annona squamosa leaf extract on the insects Aedes aegypti, Nasutitermes corniger, and Sitophilus zeamais and the microcrustacean Hyalella sp.

The high environmental toxicity of currently used insecticides and the emergence of resistant insect populations have prompted the search for new agents to control insect pests. In this study, we characterized a saline extract from Annona squamosa L. leaf to determine its chemical constituents and effects on third instar Aedes aegypti L. larvae, Nasutitermes corniger Motsch. workers and soldiers, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. adults, and Hyalella sp. juveniles. The extract showed a protein concentration of 22.9 mg/mL and included lectins (specific hemagglutinating activity of 21,333.33) and trypsin inhibitors (specific activity of 15.6 U/mg), as well as the secondary metabolites cinnamic acid derivatives, rutin, and chlorogenic acid. The extract killed third instar Ae. aegypti larvae (50 % lethal concentration of 1.9 %, w/v) and increased the permeability of the peritrophic membrane of Ae. aegypti larvae. The extract did not affect the survival of N. corniger workers or soldiers but killed S. zeamais adults with mortality rates of 51.2–63.8 %. A strong deterrent feeding effect was detected, making S. zeamais adults reject an artificial diet containing the extract. Juveniles of the microcrustacean Hyalella sp. were highly sensitive to treatment with the extract at the 50 % lethal concentration for Ae. aegypti. In conclusion, A. squamosa leaf extract kills Ae. aegypti larvae and S. zeamais adults by increasing the peritrophic membrane permeability and exhibiting a strong food deterrent effect, respectively. However, as an insecticide, the extract should be used with caution because of its high non-target toxicity. The effects of A. squamosa leaf extract may be linked to the actions of lectins, trypsin inhibitors, rutin, and chlorogenic acid.

Cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores in Cannabis sativa L.

In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists, research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids as medicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates. Very little is known about the adaptive value of cannabinoid production, though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, and herbivores. To test the prediction that genotypes with greater concentrations of cannabinoids will have reduced herbivory, a segregating F2 population of Cannabis sativa was leveraged to conduct lab- and field-based bioassays investigating the function of cannabinoids in mediating interactions with chewing herbivores. In the field, foliar cannabinoid concentration was inversely correlated with chewing herbivore damage. On detached leaves, Trichoplusia ni larvae consumed less leaf area and grew less when feeding on leaves with greater concentrations of cannabinoids. Scanning electron and light microscopy were used to characterize variation in glandular trichome morphology. Cannabinoid-free genotypes had trichomes that appeared collapsed. To isolate cannabinoids from confounding factors, artificial insect diet was amended with cannabinoids in a range of physiologically relevant concentrations. Larvae grew less and had lower rates of survival as cannabinoid concentration increased. These results support the hypothesis that cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores.

Biological control potential of a laboratory selected generalist parasitoid versus a co-evolved specialist parasitoid against the invasive Drosophila suzukii.

A few generations of laboratory selection can increase the developmental success of native parasitoids on invasive targets. However, for this approach to be used more widely for biological control, we need to understand if the improved performance of native species, achieved under artificial laboratory conditions, translates to improved control in more natural environments. It is also unknown what the biocontrol potential of laboratory selected generalist native parasitoids may be compared to co-evolved specialists that are typically introduced for biological control of invasive species. To assess how rearing in artificial diet affected host finding ability in natural hosts, we used laboratory selected (adapted) and nonadapted populations of the generalist native parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae to parasitize the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii in three different fruit types. In a separate experiment, we compared the effectiveness of adapted and nonadapted populations of T. drosophilae in raspberries with a co-evolved specialist larval parasitoid Ganaspis brasiliensis from Asia that was recently approved for release in the USA. More adult parasitoids emerged in each fruit type of the adapted compared to the nonadapted population of T. drosophilae. D. suzukii emergence rates were reduced on average by 85% by the adapted T. drosophilae population indicating that the artificial rearing conditions did not significantly impair the ability of parasitoids to locate and attack hosts in natural hosts. The specialist G. brasiliensis had higher adult emergence than the adapted population of T. drosophilae; however, both parasitoid species were able to reduce D. suzukii populations to the same extent. These results show that despite the lower developmental success of the laboratory selected T. drosophilae, they killed the same proportion of D. suzukii as G. brasiliensis when host choice was restricted. In nature, where host choices are available, specialist and generalist parasitoids will be unlikely to exhibit the same biocontrol potential.

Comparative study of development, survival and reproductive performances of Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia convergens feeding on artificial diets

Comparative study of development, survival and reproductive performances of Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia convergens feeding on artificial diets

Revision of Helicoverpa armigera insecticide resistance status in Greece

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of numerous crops specially cotton and its control is mainly based on the application of insecticides. Studies on the efficacy levels of insecticides are limited in Greece and such information is essential of the implementation of rational IPM schemes. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of resistance against insecticides registered for the control of cotton bollworm, namely spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole on different populations. The insecticide resistance to the tested compounds was evaluated using laboratory dose-response bioassays in three field populations of H. armigera collected from cotton fields located in Larissa, Thessaloniki and Serres/Drama, Greece, during 2020 using artificial diets with chemical overlay. All tested populations of H. armigera remained susceptible to spinetoram (RR = 0.9–1), emamectin benzoate (RR = 1.2–2.4), cyantraniliprole (RR = 2.4–3.1) and chlorantraniliprole (RR = 1–1.9). While, lambda-cyhalothrin exhibited RR values between 4 and 46 folds in the tested populations, suggesting potential cases of resistance development. This study sets the foundation for evidence-based pest management in Greece and facilitates early detection of incipient resistance cases in the future.

Evaluation of Galleria mellonella immune response as a key step toward plastic degradation

BackgroundPlastic's remarkable durability presents a significant challenge for our planet, leading to widespread environmental damage. However, some organisms, such as Galleria mellonella larvae, have shown a unique capability to consume and degrade plastic, offering potential solutions to plastic pollution. In this study, we investigated the response of G. mellonella larvae to different diets, including artificial diet (AD), polyethylene low density mixed with AD (PELD + AD), and PELD alone. Using various microscopy techniques, we examined the larvae's hemocyte hemogram and mid-gut characteristics to understand their immune response and digestive system when exposed to plastic.ResultsThe results revealed that PELD-only feeding negatively impacted hemocyte immunity, resulting in a significant decrease in total hemocyte counts compared to AD and AD + PELD feeding. Moreover, plastic consumption induced differential hemocyte alterations, affecting specific cell types. The presence of phagosomes in larval hemocytes and mid-gut cells during PELD-only feeding suggested active involvement in plastic breakdown.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the potential of G. mellonella larvae as a model organism to study responses to pollutants, emphasizing the urgent need to address plastic pollution's global threat. Further investigation is warranted to explore larval deformities, weight loss, and appetite changes, potentially influencing mortality rates and enzyme biochemistry. Understanding the impacts of plastic ingestion on G. mellonella larvae is crucial to develop effective strategies for mitigating plastic pollution's ecological implications.

Serratia marcescens induces apoptosis in Diaphorina citri gut cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress.

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a notorious pest in the citrus industry because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes an uncurable, devastating disease in citrus worldwide. Serratia marcescens is widely distributed in various environments that exhibits toxic effects to many insects. To develop strategies for enhancing the efficiency of pathogen-induced host mortality, a better understanding of the toxicity mechanism of Serratia marcescens on Diaphorina citri is critical. Serratia marcescens KH-001 successfully colonized Diaphorina citri gut by feeding artificial diets, resulting in the damage of cells including nucleus, mitochondria, vesicles, and microvilli. Oral ingestion of Serratia marcescens KH-001 strongly induced apoptosis in gut cells by enhancing levels of Cyt c, p53 and caspase-1 and decreasing levels of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) and Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1). The expression of dual oxidase (Duox) and nitric oxide synthase (Nos) was up-regulated by Serratia marcescens KH-001, which increased hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels in the gut. Injection of abdomen of Diaphorina citri with H2 O2 accelerated the death of the adults and induced apoptosis in the gut cells by activating Cyt c, p53 and caspase-1 and suppressing IAP and BI-1. Pretreatment of infected Diaphorina citri with vitamin c (Vc) increased the adult survival and diminished the apoptosis-inducing effect. The colonization of Serratia marcescens KH-001 in the guts of Diaphorina citri increased H2 O2 accumulation, leading to severe changes and apoptosis in intestinal cells, which enhanced a higher mortality level of D. citr. This study identifies the underlying virulence mechanism of Serratia marcescens KH-001 on Diaphorina citri that contributes to a widespread application in the integrated management of citrus psyllid. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary assessment across various life stages of seven-spotted lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

BackgroundCoccinella septempunctata (L.) is an important predator in fighting against aphids on edible crops and vegetables. However, to establish a successful mass-rearing technique, it is crucial to determine the optimal diets for larvae, pupae, and adults in terms of fecundity, longevity, and ingredient ratios. The current study aims to learn more about the biology of ladybird beetle using both artificial and natural food components.ResultsThis study tested six different ratios of natural and artificial diets, ranging from a natural aphid diet to a variety of artificial diets containing protein hydrolyzate, casein protein, honey, dry aphids, yeast, and agar. The results showed that the natural diet (D1) produced from aphids showed approximately 290.2 eggs, while artificial diets D2 and D4 produced 56.5 and 40.2 eggs, respectively. The effect of different diets on the longevity of different life stages was also tested. The minimum longevity of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages were recorded for D1 and D4. Furthermore, the maximum percentage emergence of larval, pupal, and adult stages was observed for D1 and D2. D6 produced the longest adult duration, with a maximum of 84.60 days. However, there was no significant difference in sex ratio among the various diet components.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the results suggest that artificial diets are essential for sustaining C. septempunctata cultures in laboratories, especially during periods when natural prey is scarce. The most effective and efficient mass-rearing approach would be to provide both natural and artificial foods simultaneously. These findings may have significant implications for the development of biological control strategies for aphids in agriculture.

Oviposition preference of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) for fresh fruit and fruit-like shapes artificial diets of raspberry and blueberry

Oviposition preference of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) for fresh fruit and fruit-like shapes artificial diets of raspberry and blueberry