Mass Rearing Research Articles

Assessing Queen Cell Cups Priming from Combs of Different Honey Bee Species for Mass Rearing of Apis mellifera L. Queen Bee

Experiments were carried out at the Beekeeping-cum-Honey Production Unit, Department of Entomology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India, during 2020-21. The study was aimed to evaluate queen cell cups prepared from combs of different bee species to find out a suitable technique for royal jelly production through mass queen bee rearing of Apis mellifera species. The worker bees of Apis mellifera (AM) exhibited a low preference for working with combs produced by Apis dorsata (AD) and Apis cerana (AC) for queen cell construction amongst evaluated combs. In contrast, when queen cell cups were made using AM combs, the worker bees attempted to build 100% of the cells. The time required by AM worker bees to complete queen cell construction on AM combs ranged from 7 to 15 days, however, they took 1.20 and 0.98 times longer to complete cells made with AD and AC combs, respectively. Similarly, queen bees showed reluctance to lay eggs in cells built on AD and AC combs. In queen cells constructed on AM combs, the queen bee began laying eggs on the second day after release into the nucleus hive and continued for five days, with an increasing trend in egg-laying activity. Among the different batches of eggs laid, the third batch was the most successful in respect of the larval growth and development. Additionally, larval growth showed a consistent upward trend during the first three days of observation for each laying batch. A. mellifera combs have been found to be more favourable for queen cell construction by worker bees, showing a strong preference for the queen's egg-laying performance, as well as optimal larval growth and development. Based on these findings, it is recommended that beekeepers may adopt this method to promote mass queen bee rearing and enhance royal jelly production.

Farmed crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) raised with dermestids (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) suffer from reduced and delayed growth, but not enough to explain reports of dramatic yield loss.

The mass production of insects for food and feed is an expanding North American industry. Facilities that mass rear insects are at risk of pest infestations because the optimal environmental conditions for rearing beneficial species may also support the development of pest species. Here, we present the first recorded results detailing the interactions between dermestids and farmed crickets. Cricket farms have reported extremely low harvest yield during heavy dermestid infestations, but the exact reasons for this low yield are unknown. Many dermestid larvae are covered in dense, detachable, barbed setae called hastisetae, which are used by the larvae as an active trapping system against arthropod predators. We designed a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that a dermestid pest of cricket farms, black larder beetle (Dermestes ater DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)), may be directly impacting Gryllodes sigillatus Walker (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) yield through the physical effects of hastisetae ingestion and/or indirectly impacting cricket yield through competition for fishmeal, a primary source of protein in conventional cricket feed. Our predictions that G. sigillatus life history and survival would be negatively affected by dermestids were largely refuted. Females fed infested diets grew less mass, but not smaller body size, compared to females fed uninfested diets. We also found that while G. sigillatus experienced delayed growth early in life after living with dermestids, they were able to tolerate living with, and consuming, dermestid larvae. We discuss how these findings have led to new hypotheses concerning how dermestid infestations drive reductions in cricket farm yield.

Standardization of Mass Rearing of Mango Leafhoppers

This study involved three predominant mango hopper species viz.: Idioscopus clypealis (Lethierry), Idioscopus nitidulus (Walker), and Amritodus atkinsoni (Lethierry). The nymphs and adults were collected from a mango orchard in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. To rear the leafhoppers, plastic containers with moist sand and mango twigs as food sources were used in different environments, including room temperature, an open environment, and a B.O.D incubator with controlled temperature (25°C) and relative humidity (75%). The survival and longevity of nymphs and adults were recorded. The results showed that rearing in the B.O.D incubator consistently resulted in the highest longevity rates for both nymphs and adults. Rearing in the open environment had the lowest longevity rates, while room temperature rearing fell in between. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining consistent temperature and humidity conditions for improved longevity in mango leafhopper populations.

Utilization of Bumblebee in Crop Pollination

Bumblebees play a vital role in pollination of plants due to their large size and hairiness hence are ideal for picking up and transferring pollen. They can vibrate (‘buzz’) flowers and have no communication system but can work efficiently in tunnels as they have a better sense of direction. They are 400 times more efficient than honeybees at any pollination chore and are capable of visiting 30 to 50 flowers per minute. They are non-swarming and less aggressive than honeybees. Bumblebee generally forages during the early morning (0530-0800h) and evening (1700-1900h) time. Bumblebees are better pollinators than honeybees in greenhouses and glass houses and they have a great potential to serve as supplemental pollinators in the cultivation of crops such as tomato, eggplant, cucumber, melon, strawberry, pumpkin, cherry, sweet pepper, etc. It improves the yield and quality parameters of the fruits. In India, efforts are being made at Solan to mass rear bumble bees and utilize them in pollination. A few private companies have attempted to introduce newer species of bumblebees in India. In the present era, the global population of bumblebees is declining due to injudicious use of pesticides, loss of natural colony and mechanization in agriculture and climatic effect.

Automated identification and counting of predated Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) eggs using deep learning image analysis

Predation or kill rate of biological control agents is often used as a proxy to evaluate the efficacy of different species of natural enemies and under different conditions. For generalist predators and many egg parasitoids, eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) are used as factitious prey or hosts in laboratory and field experiments, as they are widely available from mass rearings of the biological control industry. Evaluating the predation or parasitism activity of natural enemies on E. kuehniella is a valuable tool for biological control practitioners around the world. However, manual assessments are laborious and prone to error, as observations may be subjective and depend on the individual performing the task. Here, we developed an automated protocol based on the deep learning object detection algorithm YOLOv5, for the accurate estimation of predated E. kuehniella eggs by piercing-sucking generalist predators. The application of the trained deep learning model achieved high precision (0.90) and recall (0.93) in the identification of predated eggs among intact eggs in our test experiment and was more accurate and faster than two independent observers that performed manual counting under a stereo microscope based on the mean absolute percentage error metric. Furthermore, a case study is presented where the predation activity of the generalist predators Orius laevigatus, Orius majusculus, Orius minutus, Nesidiocoris tenuis, Macrolophus pygmaeus, and Dicyphus errans is compared. Further applications and expansions of the protocol are discussed.

Biology of <i>Aphis gossypii</i> Glover on Cotton and Brinjal as Observed in Mass Rearing

The aptness of two hosts viz., cotton and brinjal for mass rearing of Aphis gossypii Glover under laboratory conditions was investigated using the age-stage and two-sex lifetable method. The results showed that A. gossypii could complete its entire lifecycle on both hosts. The total nymphal duration (7.93± 0.33 days), reproductive period (6.95± 0.60 days), adult longevity (8.11± 0.68 days) and fecundity (24.66± 2.34 days) were significantly higher on brinjal than on cotton. The differences in pre-reproductive and post-reproductive periods on both hosts were not statistically significant. The mean reproductive period was longer on brinjal (6.95± 0.56 days) than that on cotton (5.06± 0.47 days); consequently, the fecundity was also significantly high in brinjal (24.66± 2.34 nymphs/ female) compared to cotton (14.11± 1.31 nymphs/female). The difference in an intrinsic rate of increase, infinite rate of increase and doubling time were non-significant. In contrast, the net reproductive rate, gross reproduction rate, and mean generation time on brinjal were significantly higher. Lifetable parameters such as age-stage-specific survival rates, fecundity, life expectancy and reproductive value of A. gossypii were higher on brinjal compared to cotton. The results of this study indicate that brinjal is a better host than cotton for the mass rearing of A. gossypii.

Association between ultrasound BI-RADS signs and molecular typing of invasive breast cancer.

To explore the correlation between ultrasound images and molecular typing of invasive breast cancer, so as to analyze the predictive value of preoperative ultrasound for invasive breast cancer. 302 invasive breast cancer patients were enrolled in Heping Hospital affiliated to Changzhi Medical College in Shanxi, China during 2020 to 2022. All patients accepted ultrasonic and pathological examination, and all pathological tissues received molecular typing with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The relevance between different molecular typings and ultrasonic image, pathology were evaluated. Univariate analysis: among the four molecular typings, there were significant differences in tumor size, shape, margin, lymph node and histological grade (P<0.05). 1. Size: Luminal A tumor was smaller (69.4%), Basal -like type tumors are mostly larger (60.9%); 2. Shape: Basal-like type is more likely to show regular shape (45.7%); 3. Margin: Luminal A and Luminal B mostly are not circumscribed (79.6%, 74.8%), Basal -like type shows circumscribed(52.2%); 4. Lymph nodes: Luminal A type tends to be normal (87.8%), Luminal B type,Her-2+ type and Basal-like type tend to be abnormal (35.6%,36.4% and 39.1%). There was no significant difference in mass orientation, echo pattern, rear echo and calcification (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis: Basal-like breast cancer mostly showed regular shape, circumscribed margin and abnormal lymph nodes (P<0.05). There are differences in the ultrasound manifestations of different molecular typings of breast cancer, and ultrasound features can be used as a potential imaging index to provide important information for the precise diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Trade-Offs between Temperature and Fitness in Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Implications for Mass Rearing and Field Management

The brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is one of the most abundant soybean stink bug pests in Brazil. Temperature is a key factor that affects its development and reproduction, and fluctuating temperatures may impact the development and reproduction of E. heros differently from those under constant temperatures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of constant and fluctuating temperature on the biological characteristics of E. heros in three successive generations. Treatments consisted of six constant temperatures (19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C) and four fluctuating temperatures (25:21 °C, 28:24 °C, 31:27 °C, and 34:30 °C) evaluated for three successive generations. Second-stage nymphs were evaluated daily, and after they reached the adult stage, they were separated by sex, and the individual weight (mg) and pronotum size (mm) were recorded. After pair formation, eggs were collected to evaluate the pre-oviposition period, total number of eggs, and egg viability. The duration of the nymphal stage was reduced with an increase in both constant and fluctuating temperatures; however, at constant temperatures of 19 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C and fluctuating temperatures of 28:24 °C, there was no reproduction in adults. The base temperature and total degree day requirement for nymphal development were 15.5 °C and 197.4 dd, respectively. Pre-oviposition period (d), number of eggs per female, and viability of eggs (%) were affected by temperature across the generations. The multiple decrement life table analysis revealed that mortality was highest during the molting of the second-stage nymphs. These findings have important implications for E. heros' laboratory mass-rearing programs and for its management in fields.

Optimizing Mass Rearing of the Egg Parasitoid, Telenomus podisi, for Control of the Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros

The parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 is used in biological control programs in Brazil against eggs of Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798), a key pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. To optimize the mass production of parasitoids, artificial diets and storage of host eggs at low temperatures have been developed; however, direct comparisons of the effects of these conditions have not occurred. We assessed a double factorial arrangement composed of six treatments (fresh or cryopreserved E. heros eggs from adults fed on natural or two artificial diets). We evaluated the biological characteristics and parasitism capacity of T. podisi produced from these treatments across seven temperatures. The thermal range between 21 and 30 °C resulted in satisfactory daily parasitism in all treatments tested, with an inverse relationship between temperature and female survival. The best parasitoid biological parameters were found between 21 and 27 °C, where all tested diets supported T. podisi development, with the best results from artificial diets. Fresh eggs and those frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -196 °C until use supported parasitoid development. These results suggest that the best method to mass rear T. podisi is to use artificial diets to rear E. heros and store eggs until needed, and then rear parasitoids at 24 °C.

Feeding frequency and its associated effects on the production and survival rate of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes

Tsetse flies are large blood-sucking flies of the genus Glossina, which are exclusively found in Africa. They are important vectors of Trypanosomes, which cause sleeping sickness in humans and African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) in livestock. Due to the lack of effective vaccines to control this disease, vector control has been an ideal strategy. There are many vector control methods developed so far. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is one of such method which depends on the mass production of male flies in the laboratory, sterilization, and release of these flies in the target area. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different feeding frequencies on the production and survival rate of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes to identify the best feeding frequency that could optimize the production and minimize the cost of production in a massrearing insectary facility at Kaliti Tsetse Fly Mass Rearing and Irradiation Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Three experimental groups were established based on feeding frequency regimes. The first group was fed three times per week, the second four times per week, and the third group five times per week. Parameters that are routinely used for assessing colony performance such as; survival rate, fecundity, pupae per initial females (PPIF), and pupal quality were evaluated for each treatment group and statistical comparisons were made between the groups. The results revealed that feeding frequency had a crucial effect on fly production and survival. The lowest results for all parameters were obtained in flies fed three times per week and relatively the best results were obtained in the four-times-per-week feeding regime. Therefore, we recommend a further study on aspects that are not addressed in this study, such as emergency rate and progeny quality, to apply the four times per week feeding regime as it will have a positive economic impact that could enable more resources to be re-injected into the insectary compared to five or more feeding regimes which are currently in use in the study site.

Satellite Rearing ofAedesMosquito Eggs: Synchronized Empirical Test of a Novel Mass Rearing Model

Mosquito suppression strategies based on "rear and release" of male mosquitoes are attracting renewed interest from governments, municipalities, and private businesses. These include irradiation-based sterile insect technique, Wolbachia-based technologies, and genetic modification. Each of these approaches requires the mass rearing and release of adult male mosquitoes, which typically is accomplished via a rearing facility near the release site. Although some release programs have relied on centralized rearing and shipment of adult males, adult male mosquitoes are relatively fragile, and their fitness can be diminished by temperature fluctuations, humidity, nutritional deficiencies, and other stresses that occur during shipment. Furthermore, expensive, expedited shipment is typically used to maximize the amount of adult lifetime in the field following the release. In contrast, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus eggs can be desiccated and stored for long periods. They are small, and many millions of eggs can be shipped without specialized environmental conditions and using less expensive means. Here we examine a model in which mosquito eggs are centrally produced and then mailed to satellite rearing facilities. As a control, a replicate set of eggs was reared at the factory of origin. At each of the rearing sites, cloud-based software was used to track and compare rearing at the different locations. The results demonstrate similar rearing outcomes (i.e., egg hatch, immature development, and number of adult males) at each of the different sites for both species. We discuss the outcome in relation to downstream applications and potential future studies.

Immune Responses of the Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Reared on Catering Waste.

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), has a great bioconversion potential and ability to develop on diverse substrates. Although the use of catering waste and food by-products containing meat and fish would reduce the footprint of the insect sector, to date, in Europe, their use is still facing legal obstacles for insects as food and feed. Since a major request from the EU insect sector is to diversify the spectrum of allowed substrates, and considering that variations in diet composition could influence insect immune responses, we evaluated the impact of different catering wastes on BSF prepupae immunity. Insects were reared on five diets: one based on feed for laying hens and four based on catering waste containing (i) fruits and vegetables; (ii) fruits, vegetables and bread; (iii) fruit, vegetables, bread and dairy products; (iv) fruits, vegetables, bread, meat and fish. The gene expression of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), one defensin and one cecropin, was assessed. Moreover, the hemolymph inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli DH5α and Micrococcus yunnanensis HI55 was evaluated using diffusion assays in solid media. The up-regulation of both AMPs' encoding genes was observed in insects fed a bread-added and dairy product-added diet. All hemolymph samples showed inhibitory activity against both bacteria, affecting the colony size and number. The obtained results show how catering waste positively influences the H. illucens immune system. The possibility of modulating AMP expression levels through the diet opens up new perspectives in the management of insect health in mass rearings.

First steps towards mass rearing of European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus, L.) using conventional hatchery equipment

Anadromous European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) is a keystone species in lake and river ecosystems. In the past and present, stock declines in several of its habitats have been reported. The reasons for this are unclear. Experimental research on the early life stages could help to reveal the potential causes. For this purpose, knowledge on artificial propagation and rearing of early life stages is needed. Following from previous work, we show how to scale up and mass rear European smelt using conventional hatchery equipment and present a simplified protocol for first feeding. Smelt eggs, after egg adhesiveness is removed, can be incubated in standard hatchery equipment commonly used in aquaculture. Incubation in McDonald-type jars shows even improved results when settling of floating eggs is prevented. Next to avoiding egg loss this simultaneously reduces labor for daily care. First feeding of larval smelt can be achieved with decapsulated artemia cysts, eliminating the need for the labor-intensive green water production. Using the protocol presented, larvae of different stages can be produced in large quantities allowing further experimental studies.

Comparative study on the larvicidal effect of some ciliated protists on Culex gelidus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Aedes aegypti in Sri Lanka

Rice fields in Sri Lanka create suitable breeding places for vector mosquitoes. Such sites provide habitats for diversified naturally occurring microbiota. Ciliated protists, Zoothamnium sp., Chilodonella sp., and Vorticella microstoma are among such microbiota found in vector mosquito habitats especially in rice field habitats in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to determine the comparative larvicidal effect of these ciliated protists collected from naturally infested mosquito larvae in some rice-field habitats in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, against vector mosquito larvae. Vector mosquito larvae, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culex gelidus were reared in the laboratory from field-collected water samples while Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae were reared using egg sheets, for the laboratory bioassays. V. microstoma showed the potential for infection and mortality of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae (71.33% ± 5.23). Results revealed a minimum of 1000V. microstoma is required to kill a single third instar larva of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus at 69.60 ± 2.40h of exposure. Cx. gelidus larvae showed 41.33% ± 3.43 mortality due to V. microstoma infestation. However, none of the ciliates were effective against Ae. aegypti larvae. Chilodonella sp. was very occasionally reported during this study hence was not possible to the mass rear for experimentations. This study concludes that V. microstoma is an effective ciliated parasite of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae. Due to their effectiveness and eco-friendly nature, this species can be developed as an effective bio-controlling agent against Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquito species.

Sea Anemone Aiptasiomorpha minuta (Verrill, 1867) as a Possible Agent to Control Biofouling in Oyster Culture and the Optimal Conditions for Its Mass Rearing under Laboratory Conditions

The potential use of the sea anemone Aiptasiomorpha minuta as an agent for controlling biofouling on cultured oysters and the optimum culture conditions for its mass culture were evaluated. Field experiments showed that nineteen species (eight phyla), including two seaweed species, sponges, hydroids, bryozoans, mollusk/bivalve species, barnacles, and tunicates were found as biofouling assemblages on the oyster collectors. The ability of A. minuta to accumulate biomass on oyster collectors, thus, minimizing colonization by problem species; was also demonstrated to promote better oyster growth, condition index, and survival. Favorable mass culture conditions of A. minuta in laboratory trials were found at 28 °C, fed with Artemia salina (1000 individuals/day), and at 23 psu for the optimum temperatures, diet regimen, and salinity, respectively. These mass culture conditions could be useful for the purpose of producing enough biomass for attaching the sea anemones, A. minuta, to oyster collectors. The use of A. minuta could be a preventive strategy against biofouling that may be useful for oyster farmers; it is safe from the viewpoint of food hygiene, and is also environment-friendly.

Optimization of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mass Rearing through Cost-Effective Larval Feeding.

Simple SummaryThe Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an important invasive species of medical concern, which could be successfully suppressed by including the sterile insect technique (SIT) in integrated mosquito management. This technique is based on the mass rearing of males, and their sterilization and release into the habitats to compete with wild males in the mating process. Our research compared the effectiveness of three larval diet recipes (IAEA-BY, BCWPRL, and MIX-14) in the rearing of Ae. albopictus males in order to evaluate the available economical feeding alternatives. The separation of male pupae was done by the sieving method, and reared adult males were tested for flight capacity and longevity. The application of BCWPRL resulted in a higher portion of sieved male pupae than females, but the obtained number of both pupae and adult males was lower and the development was slower than the other two diets. The adult mean survival time was the highest in males fed with MIX-14 and the lowest in males fed with IAEA-BY. Males fed by IAEA-BY also demonstrated higher initial mortality in the adult stage. The diets BCWPRL and MIX-14 are cheaper than IAEA-BY (2.28 and 5.30 times, respectively). The diet MIX-14 represents a candidate for replacing the effective but still expensive IAEA-BY diet.Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1895) is an invasive important medical and veterinary pest species. The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves the mass rearing of males, and their sterilization and release into the habitat to compete with wild males. Our research objective was to compare the effectiveness of three larval diet recipes (IAEA-BY, BCWPRL, and MIX-14) in the laboratory rearing of Ae. albopictus males to evaluate the available economical feeding alternatives. The separation of sexes was done in the pupal stage by sieving. Reared males were tested for flight capacity and longevity. The application of the BCWPRL diet resulted in a higher portion of sieved male pupae than females, but the development of males was the slowest, and the number of obtained males (pupae and adults) was lower compared to the other two diets. The adult mean survival time was the highest in males fed with MIX-14 and the lowest in males fed with IAEA-BY. Males fed by IAEA-BY also demonstrated higher initial mortality in the adult stage. The diets BCWPRL and MIX-14 are economically more convenient than IAEA-BY (2.28 and 5.30 times cheaper, respectively). The cheapest diet, MIX-14, might represent a candidate for replacing the effective but still expensive IAEA-BY larval diet, providing lower costs of sterile male production.

Impact and Persistence of Serratia marcescens in Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Feed under Optimal and Stressed Mass Rearing Conditions.

Simple SummaryA few insects are actually considered for mass production as an alternative protein source for animal feed, notably in the fish and poultry sector. Industrial insect rearing, aims at producing high quality insects, following secure sanitary conditions. As for other livestock’s optimal rearing conditions should avoid stress and pathogens. In this study we investigated how abiotic stresses (sieving, starvation and density) and the presence of the bacteria, Serratia marcescens, an opportunistic human and insect pathogen, affect the growth and survival of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor. We also set up tests to determine if this bacterium could survive in the rearing system by analysing over time its persistence in the feed, in the insect and in the feces. Our result indicate that the studied Serratia strain is not very virulent to the yellow mealworm, that it can persist in the rearing system and can be detected easily by using a selective growth medium. The stress factors showed no impact from sieving but positive importance was found from high larval density while starvation should be avoided. Serratia could be considered as a potential marker, in the assessment of infectious pressure in a rearing system, and should be monitored for sanitary risk issues as well.Industrial insect mass rearing aims to produce quality insects under safe sanitary conditions which can be compromised by pathogens and abiotic stressors. Therefore, knowledge on pathogen persistence, virulence and means of detection is of importance. This study focuses on the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens (Sm) as a possible candidate to reveal sanitary issues in Tenebrio molitor (Tm) breeding. A screening test was performed to assess the impact of abiotic stressors (starvation, density and sieving) in presence and absence of Sm. Two Sm detection methods were conducted, and the kinetics of Sm persistence were investigated. Our results show that (i) the presence of Sm had a low but significant effect on Tm mortality, (ii) a short temporary starvation period had a negative impact on larval growth, (iii) the detection of Sm by q-PCR was sensitive but less convenient than a specific Sm growth media, (iv) the kinetics of persistence showed that Sm declined but survived for nine days in the feed and in the feces for three weeks. Both the relatively low virulence and the persistence in the environment suggest that Sm could be used as an indicator for the sanitary status of mealworm production.

Advancements in Mass Rearing the Air Potato Beetle Lilioceris cheni.

Simple SummaryMass rearing the air potato beetle, Lilioceris cheni, is a vital contribution to the integrated pest management of the invasive air potato vine. Here, the authors report on the production, distribution, and advancements of a mass rearing method. It was determined that adults are most successful on a diet of fresh air potato leaf. Although to reduce the amount of leaf tissue needed for overwintering populations, they can survive on artificial diet for several months and can be starved for several days to two weeks depending on previous diet. Larvae cannot survive continuously on artificial diet. This information allows those mass rearing beetles to reduce the amount of tissue grown at points in the annual cycle and shows that adult beetles can survive starvation while being distributed or for short periods after release. It also indicates that fresh air potato vine must be available in at least small quantities year-round. This information will assist those attempting to mass rear and distribute the beetle.The air potato beetle, Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), is a successful biological control agent of the air potato vine, Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreales: Dioscoreaceae), in the southern United States. Lilioceris cheni is currently being mass-reared by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) for biological control releases and research. The facility rears and releases over 50,000 adult beetles annually at approximately 1000 different locations. In addition to data on beetle production and distribution, studies on alternative larval and adult diets are described. Adults fed bulbils as the sole food source had reduced life spans compared with beetles given fresh air potato leaves. Adults survived without air potato leaves or bulbils for several days to two weeks depending on availability of leaves at emergence. Larvae did not survive on a modified artificial Colorado potato beetle diet containing fresh air potato vine leaves. Adults survived while consuming artificial diet but ceased oviposition. They, however, resumed egg laying less than one week after being returned to a diet of fresh air potato vine leaves.

Current Status of Biological Control of Lantana camara L. (sensu lato) in South Africa

Lantana camara L. ‘lantana’ continues to pose economic and ecological challenges in South Africa. The present review provides a brief overview of biological control (biocontrol) agents established in South Africa, including their combined impact and individual performance of four agents released during the recent past. In total, 16 biocontrol agents are fully established on lantana in South Africa, and three of these are either indigenous or inadvertently introduced into the country. Despite the establishment of these agents, biocontrol of lantana is not effectively reducing the density of the weed, particularly in the inland regions of the country. However, recent studies showed that biocontrol is causing a significant reduction in plant growth, biomass and seed production at various sites in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the continental area of Mpumalanga province. The sap-sucking mirid Falconia intermedia has been observed to resurge at a number of sites following its crashing countrywide after its release in 1999. Falconia intermedia is, however, still confined to the warm low-lying regions of the country. The flower-galling mite Aceria lantanae has dispersed widely throughout South Africa and some neighbouring countries. The mite reduced flower production of susceptible varieties by up to 97% in the humid coast of KZN. Eleven years after its release, the root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae is still largely confined to the vicinity of its release sites, where it is severely damaging lantana. Although populations of the petiole weevil Coelocephalapion camarae collapsed at many sites following its release, the weevil has persisted for over 15 years at two isolated sites in KZN province. Efforts are being made to mass rear and redistribute L. bethae and C. camarae in order to improve their establishment and dispersal rate. To cope with varietal resistance and climatic extremes, attempts to find new strains of the existing and promising biocontrol agents are continuing. To justify the continued development of additional agents, the ecological and economic benefits of biocontrol should be assessed, particularly in the coastal region where biocontrol is more effective.

Better eggs today than psocids tomorrow: Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs exposed to Liposcelis sp. (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) has reduced hatching rates

• Liposcelis sp can predate Aedes aegypti eggs loose in environment. • Aedes aegypti eggs are more suscetible to predation by Liposcelis sp when fixed in substrate. • Aedes aegypti larvae which survive exposure to Liposcelis sp has slowed immature development. For different research purposes, there is a need to mass rear mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, under laboratory conditions. The rearing process begins with egg production followed by egg storage in a dry environment, inside containers. Stored eggs are susceptible to environmental threats when storage conditions are suboptimal. Some terrestrial insects can invade this environment and attack stored eggs. In this brief report, we assessed whether Ae. aegypti eggs exposed to Liposcelis sp. individuals had reduced hatching and immature development rates. We exposed 100 eggs in different treatment conditions (fixed in porous paper and loosed) to 30 Liposcelis sp. individuals for ten days and then we induced hatching. We observed a hatching rate of 99% reduced for those eggs adhered to porous paper and loosed eggs showed a hatching rate of 45% decreased for those eggs exposed to Liposcelis sp . The remaining larvae took longer to develop into pupae as well, showing a four-day delay on average to the final metamorphosis of the aquatic stage. These results reinforce the need to frequently monitor egg storage conditions to maintain laboratory colonies stable and free from pests that can interfere with mosquito life-history traits.