Diet development and mass rearing of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Philippines

Abstract

The efficiency of several bean-based diets in supporting growth, development and reproduction of the corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), was evaluated. The optimum number of moths to be mated was also determined so there will be enough progeny for the next generation. Mungbean and soybean-corn diets were equally efficient in supporting development and reproduction of CEW. The mungbean preparation was more prone to fungal growth and faster deterioration but soybean-corn diet was more expensive, even with removal of casein, an expensive imported ingredient. Casein had no substantial effect on the growth and reproduction of CEW. Ground mungbean could be replaced partially with ground corn to improve consistency, add bulk, and further reduce the cost of the mungbean diet. The 150 g mungbean:80 g corn combination was better than the 80 g mungbean: 150 g corn combination not only in attaining the above-mentioned objectives but also in increasing larval survival, egg production, and egg hatch. Moth density had no influence on egg production. Cages with only one pair of moths had fewer successful matings than cages with two to four pairs of moths, but had higher percentage of egg hatch when only cages with mated females are considered. A 1 ♂:1♀ ratio per pint-sized container was ideal for higher egg production and egg hatch. Thus, 6 to 8 moths at 1♂:1♀ ratio per pint-sized mating and oviposition cage is the most promising set-up. On the average, females had two matings in 5 days based on the number of spermatophores recorded. Simple mass rearing procedures concerning larval rearing, pupal collection and management, moth handling, mating and egg collection are presented.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

282-291

Document Type

Article

Subject

Artificial diet, Bean-based diet, Insect rearing, Rearing cages

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