Biocontrol Science and Technology (2016) 26, 630-639

A. Coelho Jr., C. Reigada, M.L. Haddad and J.R.P. Parra (2016)
Effects of temperature increase caused by larval metabolism on the reproduction of Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a factitious host for Trichogramma
Biocontrol Science and Technology 26 (5), 630-639
Abstract: Many biological-control programmes, particularly those using egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma, involve rearing control agents on eggs of factitious hosts such as Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller). The objective of this study was to improve procedures for mass rearing of A. kuehniella, by determining the optimal population density in rearing trays, and evaluating the effects of metabolically induced temperature increase on reproduction and development. During the fourth and fifth instars, the temperature in trays increased 7–9°C, depending on larval density. Maximum egg production was obtained in trays inoculated with 10,800 eggs. Females and eggs obtained from this density were heavier than those reared at higher densities. Maintaining the temperature inside the rearing trays at 25°C increased egg production by up to 8 g per tray. However, both the heat from larval metabolism and the larval density significantly reduced the fecundity of A. kuehniella.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Carolina Reigada

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
rearing/culturing/mass production
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
rearing/culturing/mass production
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ephestia kuehniella
Trichogramma (genus - parasitoids)